Stephen Milne teamed up last week with Peter O’Leary for the Bacardi Miami Sailing Week in the Olympic Star class. They sailed exceptionally well in the last race when high winds decimated the fleet. Read on to see all the ‘big’ names they beat!

Bangor RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew and supporters are calling on walkers to join them on Sunday 11 April 2010 for their annual sponsored coastal walk from Holywood to Bangor.

ISA Chief Executive Harry Hermon (l) with ISA Volunteer of the Year Ron Hutchieson  Photo: Gareth Craig www.fotosail.com

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.