SID Club Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Where is the club based?

The club is based in Dun Laoghaire Harbour in the area know as the Coal Harbour. In this boat yard the club stores its boats and has a container for storing equipment. This map may help you find us.

What type of sailing is offered?

Sailing sessions are organised for dighies and for yacht sailing. Up to 12 people take part in dinghy sailing sessions, run by an appointed Captain and Vice Captain. Two session members take turns to man the rescue boat for each session. Sailing takes place both in and outside the harbour depending on weather conditions. Up to six people can attend a Ruffian sailing session which is led by a Captain. Ruffian sailing normally takes place in Dublin Bay from Howth to Dalkey and longer trips can take place at weekends.

What boats does the club have?

The club has three 420 dinghies, two Magnos, one Topaz Tres, one 23ft Ruffian yacht, a rescue boat and a small launch for going to and from the Ruffian mooring.

What type of boat is a 420?

The 420 is a 2 person lightweight, high-performance, planning-hulled dinghy that is super fast and exciting to sail. It also provides the additional excitement and challenge of a spinnaker and trapeze. For those who want to race, there are ample opportunities to compete in the Dublin Bay Sailing Club summer and winter series.

What type of boat is a Ruffian?

The SID Ruffian "Ruffin' it" Sail number 472 is a four-five person keelboat yacht with an overall lenght of 23 feet. The Ruffian Racing class is one of the largest keelboat classes in Ireland with more then twenty regularly racing at the national championships. "Ruffin' it" can provide a more leisurely sail with longer trips in the Irish Sea from Malahide to Wicklow or can compete in regattas or Dublin Bay races

Do I need to have previous sailing experience?

For dinghy sailing you need to have done at least a beginner's dinghy sailing course or have similar experience. For Ruffian sailing no experience is required but some sailing experience would be beneficial. If you are a beginner or improver you will have the opportunity to sail with more experienced sailors and thereby improve your sailing skills

Can I try out the club first?

If you are interested in trying out the club before joining, you are welcome to join us for a session or two. We charge a 20 euro visitor fee, which is refundable against your membership if you join.

What type of clothes/equipment do I need?

For dinghy sailing the following is required:

• a wet suit (3mm arms and legs with 5mm body minimum recommended);
• booties or old runners;
• cagoule or windcheater;
• sailing gloves.

For Ruffian sailing:

• warm clothes (no matter how warm it seems on land!);
• waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers (even if it�s not raining you may get wet from sea spray);
• wellies or sailing boots or old runners.

Lifejackets, safety lines, sailing harnesses are provided.

Is rescue cover provided?

Rescue cover is provided for SID organised dinghy sessions. For events and races such as regattas the rescue cover is provided by the organisers of the event.

How often can I sail?

Dinghy sailing sessions take place 3 weeknights and on Weekends all year round. Ruffian sessions take place four weeknights and Sundays from April to October. Evening session run from start of May to mid September. Members can sail in as many session as they like subject to availability. (Additional session will be added if there is a demand).

How are dinghy sailing sessions organised?

Sessions are run by a Captain and a Vice Captain. Depending on the weather and how experienced the particpants are, the Captain decides who sails with whom and where the sailing area is to be. The rescue boat is also present and is crewed by members on a rotation basis.

What is the membership fee?

The membership fee is for the period January to December. The current membership fee is printed on the application form. No further session fees apply but members are responsible for race fees for entry to races and regattas etc. Membership of the Irish Sailing Association is included.

What opportunity is there to race?

SID boats are entered in DMYC Frostbites (Sundays October to March) and in the Dublin Bay Sailing Club races which are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays from April to August. Entry fee is shared among those taking part and arota organized. There are also a number of regattas run by other Dun Laoghaire clubs during the summer months.