Mullion

Irish Sailing Association National Power Boat Championships
Achill / Belmullet Sailing Club Achill Sound 25-27 July 2009 

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On a wind swept Achill Island, the 2^nd. Annual Irish Power Boat Championships were hosted by the Achill / Bemullet Boat Club. The Activity day started at 10.00 am with heavy squalls of rain and increasingly high winds. However, the intrepid boatmen and women hoisted anchor, suited up and set out for Black Sod Bay for Day 2 adventures on land and sea in the Belmullet area of North Mayo.

Sponsored by Honda Marine Ireland and supported by numerous corporate enterprises the three day event is becoming firmly established in the Annual Irish Sailing Association diary of events. The facilities and support provided by Achill Island Hotel were first class all the way. Exhibitors on hand at the quayside to support the event included Sioen Ireland with the Mullion range of Marine Safety, R.S.Marine Lecanvey, Westport Co. Mayo, Honda Marine Ireland, Irish Coast Guard, and the R.N.L.I. Safety issues on land and sea were upheld by all mariners and in evidence at all times.

It was heartening to see so much Mullion and Sioen Safety PPE in use by competitors, supporters and Marine Authorities. The images captured of the boats and Achill Island, highlights the great enjoyment such an event brings to the locality and competitors alike. The 2010 Championship will again be hosted by Achill / Belmullet Club with the action centred on the north west Mayo town of Belmullet. Further Championships will be planned for other coastal communities with Donegal, Sligo, Galway all in contention to secure this prestigious event.

After a Saturday night of hearty rejoicing and retelling the days stories, Sunday morning dampened the enthusiasm to some degree with a blowing, gale force eight and heavy gusts setting a major alteration to plans and a severe challenge for the organisers.

Compliments to all concerned including Boat Club Commodore John McLoughlin and his Team for a very well organised and well executed days of action at sea and on land. 
See attached images including yours truly as ‘Del Boy’ with ‘car boot’ sale

Adrian Towey

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