As winter settles in, members are busy tackling off-season boat projects and swapping advice on the buzzing Cruising Group WhatsApp group. The Committee is putting the finishing touches on preparations for the Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday 6th December - a lively finale to 2025 - and especially looking forward to welcoming guest of honour, Gráinne Costigan. Gráinne is fresh from her incredible solo Mini Transat crossing, becoming the first Irish woman to complete the race despite losing her rudder en route!
Recent Cruising Group talks have featured Michael Harpur, Pat Lawless and most recently Mark Sweetnam. Organised by Admiral Gerry O’Neill, Mark delivered an amazing talk on cruising in Norway. This inspiring talk featured google satellite mapping and his own video and photo content. The Cruising Group plan on organising a similar cruise around the Norwegian coast in 2026.
John Leahy and the CAI Weather Book are up next on January 6th. Michael Harpur of eOceanic will also be back in February for a live demo and in-person tutorial.
Members are keeping skills sharp too, with several taking First Aid, VHF, Day Skipper and Offshore Skipper courses with David Jerrard of SeaCraft.
In addition to the Norwegian adventure, the Cruising Group is charting plans for some other fantastic destinations in 2026 —think Scotland, a French canal cruise, or even a Greek Islands flotilla. Plenty more to come as these plans take shape!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all!
