A big thank you to Orla Clancy for organising two flotillas from HYC to sail the Greek Islands this May. Below is a piece from Orla in her own words. We highly recommend this trip to all our members. We'll also be sharing our logs and some photos to help guide you, should you decide to take part in a future adventure.
By Orla Clancy
Following the hugely enjoyable Greek flotilla cruises in May 2024, the Cruising Group once again coordinated flotilla sailing for HYC members. With varying availability and areas of interest, most opted to cruise the Ionian Sea, northwest of mainland Greece, while two HYC-skippered yachts ventured to the livelier Saronic Gulf, south of Athens.
On Saturday 17th May, three skippers and their crews — including Carol Cribbin (with Aideen Sargent, Wendy Rudd & Jill Sommerville), Gerry Blacoe (with Deborah, David & Rosie — soon-to-be Blacoe!), and myself (joined by Fiana, Ros, Joyce and Niamh) — travelled to Plataria in Greece, some via Gatwick, others via Corfu, to cruise the “Whole Ionian” for two weeks.
The following day, two more HYC skippers and their crews — Cyril Geran, Eddie Brennan, Sinead Ryan, Regina Martin, Suzanne Barry, Pat Bolger with Lorna & Michael, and Kieron & Mary — flew to Athens to embark on their own two-week “Saronics” cruise.
Earlier in May, Mags Ward and Neal Roche of HYC had each independently cruised the Ionian, while later, in early June, David Hopkins also joined a Whole Ionian flotilla.
By all accounts, great cruising was enjoyed by everyone — with notably livelier sailing conditions during the latter half of May compared to the same fortnight last year!
Our flotilla skipper Laura, engineer Cam, and entertainment and logistics officer Sophie were highly competent and welcoming, and hugely contributed to the safe and enjoyable cruising experience throughout our two weeks afloat. The yachts were well maintained and easy to handle, featuring self-furling sails, high booms, biminis to shield us from the Greek sun, comfortable three-cabin accommodation, and diving platforms for easy water access.
After a thorough initial briefing, we quickly fell into a relaxed daily rhythm — usually beginning with a morning briefing in a local taverna, followed by breakfast onboard in the glorious sunshine. Cruising distances varied each day, with the lead crew suggesting numerous anchoring spots ideal for midday swims.
Some personal highlights included:
The stunning mainland bay of Sivota Mourtos, where we enjoyed a punch party.
‘Beaching’ our cruisers on the shelving sands of Plataria.
Taking a water taxi around the headland fortress to lively Parga town.
A rare empty anchorage in Emerald Bay on Anti-Paxos, thanks to the rain.
Our memorable “White Party” in Frikes on Ithaka, celebrating the recent and upcoming weddings on two of the Irish yachts and a fabulous meal of fresh fish at an authentic Greek taverna there.
The clear waters of Spartochori Bay and its postcard-perfect hilltop village on Meganisi Island.
Our two weeks passed far too quickly, concluding with a group dinner and the traditional flotilla “Awards Night” in Nidri, our South Ionian base. Suffice to say, the prizes were of the “what goes on tour…” variety — lots of laughter and shared stories all around. We’re already making plans to do it all again next year!
HYC sailed an armada of six boats to our friends at Skerries Sailing Club on 14th June. Despite poor weather, the Skerries team pulled out all the stops to give us a warm welcome. A great afternoon was enjoyed in the cosy bar, with food from Salty Buoy — we highly recommend the spice bag and the surf 'n turf roll!
We’ll be organising a Sunshine Skerries Sail later this summer, so stay tuned! Next up is one of our favourites: the Lambay Armada on Saturday 28th June. We’ll anchor off the island for lunch and, hopefully, a refreshing dip — so don’t forget your swimming gear!
Kevin O’Sullivan was our guest speaker in June. Kevin kayaked around Ireland and wrote the inspiring book Big Dream, Little Boat, available from www.theliffeypress.com, with all proceeds going to Motor Neurone Disease Ireland.
By Kevin O’Sullivan
The kayak — or qajaq in Inuit — means “hunter’s boat” and has existed for over 4,000 years, essential to Arctic survival. In the 1800s, Scottish explorer John McGregor encountered one in Arctic Canada and had plans made for a modern version. Searles of London built it in 1865 and named it the Rob Roy, after McGregor’s nickname. From this, all modern kayaks evolved.
Sea kayaks, the contemporary version, are still used by some Arctic communities to hunt seals. They feature a skin-on-frame construction and are powered with a narrow, double-ended paddle.
My journey around Ireland was completed in stages over three summers due to work commitments. I named my kayak Murchu, after my friend Mark Murphy, who sadly passed away just before I began. I stored the kayak along the route and commuted to and from my launch points for each leg of the trip.
The kindness of strangers — many of whom seemed drawn to the journey — was the most uplifting and surprising part of my adventure.
All the details are captured in Big Dream, Little Boat, available from www.theliffeypress.com for €22. The book features 175 photographs, 11 hand-drawn charts, and gives readers a true sense of what it was like to be in the boat. It also recounts my ongoing battle with seasickness!
All proceeds go to the MND Association of Ireland, in memory of my kayaking friend Adrian Harkin, who sadly passed away from this illness in June 2024.
