As part of the 175th anniversary celebrations, the Royal St George had a week long Cruise in Company up the East Coast of Ireland, organised by Member John Bourke. Below he outlines details of how the festivities went.
Eleven boats sailed to Howth where we were most graciously received at a special reception by Brenda Dillon, Commodore of Howth Yacht Club and by Kieran Jameson as official greeter. This was followed by dinner for some sixty members who had crossed off the Bay by land or sea.
Eight of the fleet sailed or motored onwards to Carlingford Marina in the light conditions which prevailed throughout. The village of Carlingford was at it’s loveliest, offering history, pints, oysters and other delights in the glorious and unusual sunshine. On Monday some forty of us from eight boats enjoyed an excellent dinner in the marina, followed by an old fashioned sing song in the Bar orchestrated and accompanied on guitar by John Aherne. The talent which emerged amazed both us and a number of the local sailors who joined in with enthusiasm.
Three boats from the fleet carried on to Bangor Marina via Ardglass and were well rewarded with drinks and dinner in the spectacular surrounds of the Royal Ulster Yacht Club looking out over Belfast Lough. Thirteen of us including our Commodore Liam O’Rourke were greeted by the Vice Commodore, their Commodore being by tradition a Royal Prince.”
John Bourke – July 2013
