Well our second Armada last saturday looked ominous at 10 AM, but the fog over the bay finally lifted at 11, at which time the HYC Cruising Group fleet ( 18 Yachts) left the Marina and headed out into the 20 knot wind and swell off the Bailey lighthouse, towards Dun Laoire Marina. It was wind over tide conditions with the wind on our noses until we could cross Dublin Bay. Many thanks to Cyril Geran ( Dovetail)  assisting Gerry O'Neill with the organising of this event and Clifford Brown ( Rhapsody) who obtained clearance for our passage with Dublin Port for the fleet to cross of the busy channel. The Commodore of the CAI "Vincent Lundy" accompanied our fleet in his yacht.  The fleet was welcomed by the Dun Laoire Marina crew staff who had a specially allocated section of the Marina prepared for our reception and a Rib assisting our tie up.The allocation of the specially created reception area led to a great atmosphere for all participating yacht crew members. After our picnics on board, Orla Clancy welcomed all aboard her new motorcruiser ( an Atlantic 42 ) for afternoon tea with mugs ( see photo attached of "Tessa" previously Antonio Noelle). A gallery of the photos of all the participating yachts is being arranged for insertion on the HYC.ie website tomorrow for members to peruse.The quieter return afternoon voyage with the wind behind our fleet was rewarded by the colourful views of all the racing fleets of the Dun Laoire Racing yacht fleets.Two yachts stayed overnight in Dun Laoire.

Many thanks to all participating members.

Click her to see Photo Gallery

Willie Kearney

Cruising Group Captain