Ron Hutchieson who has been involved with Lasers longer than many of us have ever been sailing them. He's fondly known to some of us as “Uncle Ron” who never misses an Icebreaker Dinner. Well, he’s certainly done it in style this time – no he didn’t run into a bunch of cattle with his Volvo. Ron Hutchieson was nominated by the Irish Laser Class Association and was announced as the ISA Volunteer of the Year at the Awards Dinner on Saturday 6th March.

The Share Holiday Village at Smiths Strand in Lisnaskea provides a range of interesting courses and activities. Read the rest of the story for details of there forthcoming events such as

• Creative Bronze Boat Fittings
• Making a Donegal Curach with sustainable materials
• Mothers Day Cruise
• RYA Courses and Summer Schemes

This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for all those who go afloat, on inland waters or up to 60 miles offshore. The syllabus is based on the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The certificate fulfils the requirements of the MCA Code of Practice for the skippers of small commercial vessels up to category 2 and for all RYA practical instructors.

This is an excellent course that gives a real insight into safety at sea and the use of safety equipment which could one day make all of the difference. This course will arm you with the practical and theoretical skills to cope in an emergency situation. Practical time is spent in a pool with a life raft.

Icebreaker sailing at Ballyholme on Sunday was certainly warmer than the previous week, but it was still cold enough for Bill O’Hara to wear a hat! The sunshine made it almost pleasant and there was a great turnout in all four fleets for the Norfolklines Icebreaker Series. Added to that were the dozen boats belonging to the young RYA Topper Squad who were racing in the middle of the Bay.

There is the chance to sail in The Tall Ships Race and also the North Sea Regatta this summer. They are looking for Irish young people aged 18-25 to crew these boats in the summer. They can join each leg. There are several vessels so there are enough opportunities. They also have vessels where people from 26 years to 80 years can join!

If you are interested, please contact janine@seasailtraining.com.

More information can also be found on http://www.atseasailtraining.com/178/203/international-exchanges-.html and also on http://www.atseasailtraining.com/178/207/tall-ships'-races-2010.html.

Chris Eames from Lisburn was presented with the prestigious RYA NI Young Sailor of the Year Award 2009 at the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show. The awards were presented by sailing legend Ben Ainslie, a previous winner himself, and recognise the outstanding achievements of youth sailors across the country.

Matt McGovern (BYC) who is currently campaigning the 49er with Ryan Seaton is flying high and fast in Sydney at the Australian 18ft Skiff Championships. He is crewing with other 49er sailors, Andy Budgen and James Barker on Project Racing. Check out their results on www.18footers.com.au or www.flying18s.com.

Submitted by Elaine Taylor (BYC)

I'd just like to wish all our visitors a fantastic 2010.

If you like to send us your sailing news or tell us about your events or if you have any suggestions on ways to improve the site we would love to hear from you. you can e-mail us: news@nisailing.net

Ryan Seaton and Matt McGovern have attained an excellent 3rd place in the Australian 49er National Championships. The racing was over four days and the boys were consistent, in 4th place up until day four, when they sailed two excellent races and gained a place to finish in the top three.

AT RYA AGM HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, presented the annual RYA Community and RYA Awards at the 2009 RYA AGM. A total of 49 volunteer awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as the Isle of Wight to Northern Ireland.

At an awards evening a few weeks ago, the Ocean Youth Trust, Ireland awarded Bill O’Hara the ‘International Maritime Award’ for his success in helping to bring International Sailing acclaim to Ireland through his work as an international race official, most recently as race director for the Volvo Ocean Race.

Elaine Taylor BYC

Basic Navigation and Sea Safety Course Jan 23rd & 30th Coleraine

For information on all courses contact Patricia Storey at 07850435592

Congratulations to the New York Marathon runners from BYC who took part in the NY Marathon in aid of Marie Curie. Dave Fletcher managed to finish in the top 10,000 runners! Sounds like a lot of runners in front of him, but with over 40,000 runners, this puts him in the top 25%! Now Dave can relax in his Laser until his next challenge!

From Elaine Taylor (BYC)

Once again the Norfolklines Icebreaker Series has taken off with a fantastic turnout of dinghies. The Laser fleet sports the top names on the Irish circuit battling it out for top slot amongst Olympians – both past, present and aspiring. Here’s Roaring Forties Flannigan’s great report –