Puppeteer Memories
The Puppeteer Memories have been divided into the following sections:
B. Ode to Puppeteers - season 2005
C. Ode to Puppeteers - season 2006
Liffey Sail History
Tim Chillingworth, whose father Robin was one of the first sailors to bring a puppeteer to Howth, saw the 1720’s racing in a corporate event and thought that the Puppeteer Class could undertake something similar.
David Lovegrove (another original puppeteer sailor in Howth), had a contact, Carmel Smith, who was the PRO in the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. They contacted her and the competition was arranged.
The Authority provided the trophies. This all took place circa 2001. The fleet had to get special permission for the Tom Clarke Lifting Bridge to be lifted, as it stopped all the traffic on the East Link Toll Road. The boats had to collect together to ensure that they all sailed under the Lifting Bridge at the one time, both entering and leaving Dublin Port.
It was a glorious sight to see all the puppeteers sailing up and then racing on the river Liffey. What the onlookers thought, one will never know. The race area was between the Tom Clarke Lifting Bridge and the Matt Talbot Bridge.
The competition itself involved several short races. Jo and Richard McAllister, who owned Enigma, were the race officers, standing on the quay wall.
The last Liffey Sail took place in 2008 as it ended when the Samuel Beckett Bridge was built in 2009 and it was no longer possible for the boats to race upstream. One funny incident occurred, when Tim Chillingworth sleeping on board Gannet, was awoken by cries from the south side of the river. He woke Andy Sargent, who was sleeping aboard his boat Mayfly. They motored across in the dark and eventually found a guy clinging onto a sort of a hole in the pier wall . They rescued him and called an ambulance. He was very reluctant to get into the ambulance but eventually he did. It was the last time that Tim and Andy ever laid eyes on him.
Ode to Puppeteers 2005
An Ode to the Puppeteer Fleet for 2005
Another season ended, another in the mist,
This ditty is a memoir for incidents you've missed.
Two additions to our expanding fleet did come
The first our Plug: The original - No 1.
It was an outcast from Arcturus who found this auld biddy,
Sure it was Adam & Eve who had her christened her: Schiggy Schiggy.
But this name was unfitting for a Clontarf Gent
So, all summer & winter, his time was spent~
In finding a name which would satisfy one's Mummy.
An anonymous suggestion was 'Splash Test Dummy'!
As for the Hegarty's, they found one with a sail drive,
It was in Strangford for Cruising she was modified.
We wish them well in their Pup career
Motoring along steadily with their Pims and Beer.
A royal blooded relation of auld Patton himself
Has cast the name Haemoglobin onto the shelf.
Having difficulty in spelling it and painting her back Red
He's renaming her 'Goblin', it's easier said.
Series one to the end was a close-run affair
The final showdown was between the great pair
The 1st start was won but with Mayfly's call
That's Clarky stuffed-WHAT! - A General Recall!
So, with focused minds and seconds to the starting canister,
I misjudged a gybe and Mayfly hit Mc Allister!
'Apologies Richard, I knew you were there’,
We had spun on a sixpence - I should have taken more care.’
It was Clarky who sped away from the field,
And went on to win the Gore-Grimes Shield.
Michael Murray on Toucan added to their haul.
As his little arrival was a thrill for us all!
Roisin & Pharmacy generously sponsored the Lambay Race
And it was Mojo & Geppetto who hailed victory with pace!
Series two was sailed in light winds with shifts
It was left to Clarky & Lovy to battle their wits.
The crafty new Grandparents know no bounds
Their 22 - year winning streak - just astounds!
Amidst this series they left at home the bibs,
As the Lovegroves were Race officers to the Visiting Squibs.
In August Denis Conner & the Etchells Class
Confirmed Dave's World Status, Sure he's as polished as Brass.
With the announcement of his appointment to the World Pro Stage
The Club had to consider, his increase in wage.
In honour he was the Silver Fox Trophy receiver,
For 2005 he was the Clubs Top Achiever!
For many accolades over the years Dave has been hurled,
We salute you, your Lordship, you're the best in the world!
The Nationals took place with a new PRO,
Sir Foggy McKenna gave it a go.
The defending Champ had engagements to meet
Causing a sudden withdrawal from the challenging fleet.
He hired Jonny Morgan to step into the Breach,
It was 21 years since he last saw a Pup leach.
For he cut to the chase with his motley crew
& tack after tack their confidence grew.
It was however Mojo & Harlequin who battled for the crown
With Mojo's hopes alive for a Sunday Showdown.
With Clarky ahead they went to bed that night
And as Sunday dawned there was a force 8 in sight!
No racing was had, so to lunch we did ramp,
As Clarky & Crew were crowned NATIONAL CHAMP:
So on to the Liffey the Puppeteers went
12 Boats turned up for the annual ascent.
Jonny & Billy won the Race to the churn.
Sure didn't they navigate the Channel- well ye will learn.
Schiggy Schiggy himself threw a party for all!
As everyone struggled to leave the Puppeteer ball,
Light Sunday winds dictated a difficult stroll
As many sniggered as they passed poor Noel in a Hole!
It was Harlequins Tacticians who manoeuvered the best,
Clinching back-to-back victories, they celebrated with Zest!
The Autumn League arrived with a frenzied thrust
And we welcomed back Freddie and the crew of Gold Dust.
Algae and his junior tactical aces
Occupied top spot for a number of Races!
Harlequin’s season so far was on fire
And was not to be outdone by the Mayfly power.
Going into the last it was a four-way jumble
And three of the four would ultimately tumble.
Harlequin's crew at the start had a smile
And that smile became a grin - as they led by a mile!
But that grin diminished as their hearts soon sank!
Mayfly was catching, but had no Champagne in THEIR tank!
Harlequin sighed as the Cush they rounded,
Just ahead of Mayfly, the cheers resounded!
They crossed the line with joyful glee.
As they popped their Champagne cork in Victory.
For Olive and crew aboard Mr Punch Had had a lean year with little to munch.
With McWilliam Sails they found confidence to compete,
They took the Autumn League crown from the class’s elite!
Pause The Boat of the Year was undoubtedly red
And an exemplary performance it has to be said,
Without harping on at the success of this boat
Let’s hope Santa's helpers gave the Top-sides a coat!
As we go into this winter and get all cuddly,
We say farewell to Gordon & Dudley.
After 22 years of the IBIS bird’s call
We hope Dudley finds happiness with the auld Golf Ball.
The new owner now banished from Pinocchio,
Basher May could be considered the New Romeo!
Noel has since recruited an extended Harem
Four ladies on board, Gareth could only but dream.
For the last 22 years the Puppeteer Class trailer
Has provided transport for the cradle sailor.
The golden rule is to secure the base
As the cradle can shift when travelling at pace.
Another Pup owner of 22 years was slowing down from 45,
As he saw Gannet fly forward behind his Citroen C5.
As the cradle wheels rolled forward and off the front beam
The bow came within inches of the rear windscreen!
The owners secret weapon to avoid confession
Was to engage the C5's Hydro Pneumatic Suspension.
So homeward he drove, the puppeteer all at sea,
He reversed to perfection behind an old oak tree.
The cradle was tied to the base near the clay,
As Tim slowly nudged forward and saved the day.
Pause So, on to this season which should bring some jewels,
Not before the ratification of the New Class Rules.
For the Class weigh-in saw no major cries
But we did however hear some great sighs.
One particular boat proved to be the exception
With ‘No Strings Attached’, it was built by deception .
Old Christopher Boyd, an Olympian Flag Flyer,
Was ahead of his time when it came to Glass Fibre.
He strengthened and stiffened those important parts
For to lighten the boat and be quick off the starts.
To be lighter and stiffer is all very well,
In a gale its unstable and a dog in a swell.
So, to even the fleet in 2006
Underweight boats will have lead correctors to affix.
The fleet will do battle with knowledge at sea
That for the 1st time in history, we'll be within 100 Kg!
The future generation of Puppeteers need
That necessary ingredient of the male/female seed.
As certain Puppeteer's in '05 mixed their stuff
It was going to be inevitable - they'd end up the Luff.
For 2006 we will hopefully snare
One hatched chrysalis and another March Hare!
Cliff of Arcturus will soon take the reigns,
As Petrochelli O'Reilly now unfortunately wanes.
Eddie'll now depart on that infamous cue
On that note - I'll love you and leave you!’
So, I bid you farewell and a good sailing this season,
Keep your slate clean and give me no reason.
Let us hope our sailing in the coming year
Is one to remember in the Auld Puppeteer.
Ode to Puppeteers - season 2006
Another season ended, another to begin
Cliff stands down with satisfaction and Algae now stands in.
Before we say farewell, to our loved and bearded friend
Some reminiscing we shall do, to bring his term to end.
Basher May and young Swan to helming gents
Set the standard for all with their Sartorial elegance
These two skippers did grace our fleet
Helming competitively, the top boats trying to beat.
With aggressive maneuvers at marks and start line
Some responses to hails were at times sublime.
Voices from Ibis and Chancer were often heard
To astound poor unfortunates with language absurd.
In the heat of the moment one showed their guise.
And once to Gannet did apologise.
One referred person and new to the game.
Was as keen as Mustard but somewhat lame ........
In his knowledge of marks to round in the sound.
For young GM had an excuse
He had spent the previous two seasons getting dogs abuse
Aboard Pinnochio – you'd think he knew
About the importance of the spit mark as a half decent crew.
The spit mark and rowan are now etched in his brain
As the early season blunders culminated in Autumn League pain.
The inaugural splash of the Hegarty Gang
Was the launch of Pups first Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
As they started and revv'd, the dead they awoke
And fogged the entire fleet in a cloud of black smoke.
Keep it up lads and the emissions swarming
As warm summers we seek by your global warming.
Your new Watty sails helped the boat to thrive
And fair dues, you did well, even with the sail drive.
Later in the moth of May
My scouts were out, my Birds of Prey
They spotted an incident which few were to hear
But if more had heard, there would have been a quiet cheer
A Marina based gent with time on his hands
He analyses rig tension, rake and Black bands
For this keel shape guru with the holiest of floors
Has a large annual crew list and who Jackie adores
Whilst checking the pups for the latest Gizmo's
He must have been stretching right out on tippy toes
But we're not sure from what pontoon came his fate
Coz into the marina - fell Cloud 9's first mate
For he dragged himself out like a drowned rat
And sped home on his bike like a scalded cat
It was a rare sight to see poor Sip on the rack
With seaweed dripping from his anorak
Another tale to tell of this rare sinner
Is the rigging importance of the Portside inner
On the day of launching - he raised the rig on the dock
But to his dismay the inner sank down to bedrock.
On the subject of drenching one's outer layer
Another Pup gent dowsed their hair
One summer's eve in the twilight of May
A retired pilot and navigator of yesterday
Came down to check ropes after Billy was out
His course to the boat should have been in no doubt
Tim C and young Hegarty watched from the corner of their eye
As a certain ex Capt was stargazing at the sky
Johnny M turned to the bow of the boat
And disappeared from view but was buoyant afloat
To his rescue they came – soon back on the decks
Poor Johnny was fine except for drowned specks.
The Fingal Series with 3 - was poorly attended
Ibis outshone Algae and were the only two who really contended
The Lambay Regatta was the true Classic Race
With the Harlequin Machine making it a Brace.
Our nationals were successful with 21 on the line
With many crews expecting to gel and to shine.
PRO McKenna cancelled racing on Friday night
So with four races to sail it was going to be tight.
One particular pup, our Plug No 1
Their very first race was going to be fun.
Shiggy poached crew and the ace Cliff Brown
Who was nearly a witness twice to the rig coming down.
On the very first leg and right in the mix
Gerry could never have foreseen what he would soon have to fix.
A Gust – a Bang and a loose rig taboo
The chain plate pulled out – Geepers what do we do?
A quick reaction, head to wind with the boat
The rig was saved and all still afloat.
With engine cord pulled and harbour in view
Their engineering hats on, it would be a challenge for the crew.
Fair dues to the guys, without much adoo.
Yea were back in time for race No 2
Their first regatta was tough and on the second day
Didn't they nearly loose the rig again with a dangling stay.
Sip Feeley and crew aboard Cloud 9
Had a string of results, they did truly shine.
He steadily carved a handicap win and so proud
His head's still up their in the number 9 cloud.
As Ibis's season progressed they took great strides
To upstage the nationals and past champions besides
It was the closest fought Champs we have had for years.
Mayfly-v-Harlequin there was going to be tears
After an error by Mayfly, Clarkey was away with pace.
Which left Mayfly needing a second place.
Going down the last leg - to the bottom mark.
Mayfly was outsmarted by Ibis – the shark.
Ibis nipped in to stop the rot and Harlequin popped
champagne for the second year on the trot.
The Liffey descent was one to recall
A pursuit race was planned to start off the wall
Specific start times and the courses to steer
Were given to all and the PRO on the pier.
As all waited patiently for the race to begin
One beach laying bird was eager to win
A seven minute head start was handicapped to Flycatcher
Who sped off somewhat early and no one could catch her
Sunday racing was brisk in idyllic conditions
With very close maneuvering and changing positions
OOD McAllister governed from the wall
With all 12 pups and spectators having a ball
It was a close run affair with a 3D delight
Third place David Flood had one halyard for both spinny 'n kite
Lovegrove and Clarkey fought right to the wire
But Harlequin prevailed and set the Liffey on fire
The Autumn League came with an Anglo thrust
And we welcomed the return of Freddie & Gold Dust
Mojo won the first and Freddie Race 2
Mayfly & Harlequin took the other few
The race for the title was going to be breath taking
But for another Spit mark blunder – Ibis had the making
Team Mayfly and Harlequin would again slog it out
A final race win – Mayfly's title was in no doubt
On the handicap front and only one winner to be
A faultless series was sailed by Gannet and Tim C.
This gossip column soon wanes post Autumn League beers
But for the very first time extended to Christmas cheers
The pups they joined the hardy men
Of Brass monkey fame – they had hoped for 10
A steady five were on the line
Competing on HPH - it's hard to shine
To conquer all and win a race
You must be quick off the start and match Clarkey's pace
For Apollo's Mark and Dave, they sailed with bliss
No sign of Garreth – no Spit Mark to miss
Kennedy's Shiggy fought bravely with a smile
But as usual – Harlequin led by a mile
Going into the last it was a two way chase
Bold Noel upstaged Enigma to win in the last race
I earlier mentioned Christmas, what's that got to do?
Of the suspecting Pup sailors, there could only a few
But for one certain character is still a child
Hijacking festivities for the meek and the mild
The Saturday before the last Brass Monkey race
It was honking outside and to the Pavillions we did face.
While queuing for Santa it was Freya's first visit
We overheard passers by saying "let's not miss it"
With a wink of an eye and a nod of the head
It was Pinochio's Noel with his wife being lead
To Santa's Grotto he wanted to go
But his wife was insisting most definitely NO
His letter to Santa - it must have been sent
Coz from UK McWilliam he received a present
Ole Santa Des arrived - with a white suit - not red
While little ole Noel was tucked up in bed
Now I bid you farewell and to a good sailing this season
Keep your slate clean and give me no reason
Let us hope our sailing in the coming year
Is one to remember in the Auld Puppeteer.
Some Old Photos
Take a trip down memory lane with our Puppeteer 22 photo collection! For 40 years, these nimble boats have been a fixture at Howth Yacht Club.
Whether you're an old salt or just curious, these photos are worth a look. Check them out and see how our beloved fleet has changed (and stayed the same) over the decades!