Flags were flying in welcome for the HYC Cruising Group in the National Yacht Club on saturday 7th August. This hardy bunch of Cruising Group sailors on a breezy day with wind against tide conditions, completed a Dublin Bay Crossing in order to attend this now popular annual event. Admiral Gerry O'Neill's in his yacht " Geratric" led the fleet along with Michael Sterling and Jim Flood on board their very impressive new Fisher 32 "Touch Wood" .After many squalls and rain storms the yachts finally docked in Dunlaoire Marina. A tremendous team effort was demonstrated by all the Cruising Group members in ensuring the safe docking of all yachts during the Force 6 conditions in the Marina. We were welcomed by the NYC Manager John O'Grady who provided our Group with an excellent Brunch.  "Gerryatric" had on board our guest of honour HYC Manager Aideen Doran. The Brunch was also attended by special guests Fionan De Barra and Hal Sisk who are leading members of the Dublin Bay 21 Footer Class Association. Hal Sisk spoke about the great work completed by this association in restoring the World's Oldest Cruiser Racer Class. Gerry O'Neill presented a special bottle of whiskey to Hal and Fionan to mark the occasion of this event. Gerry O'Neill was in turn presented by Willie Kearney a copy of the latest new book "Dublin Bay -City by the Sea" written and illustrated by Sean and Niamh Kennedy on behalf of the Cruising Group in thanks for all the work he completed in planning the day's event. Many thanks to all the participating Cruising Group members and crew who attended this event.

Willie Kearney

Cruising Group Captain

Full Gallery here