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Malahide club sails into the spotlight

Thursday, 15 May 2008

IF a list of some of the greatest sporting achievements by clubs in Ireland were ever to be collated, then one north county Dublin sailing club would be sure to get a mention.
Celebrating its golden jubilee this year, Malahide Yacht Club has enjoyed some memorable and momentous occasions over the last half century.
To acknowledge the club’s special year, one of its longest serving members has put together a fabulous new book that brings to life the real essence and fervour of sailing in the picturesque town.
‘Malahide – 50 Years of Sailing’ is the brilliant work of PR consultant and journalist, Graham Smith, who has shone the spotlight on each of the last five decades at the club in a colourful and insightful book.
As one of the first cadet members of the then Malahide Sailing Club back in 1958, Graham is one of the best qualified to write on the popular club.
Although only four-and-a-half-years old when he joined the club his father ‘Jock’ helped to set up, Graham told Northside People he has fond memories of taking to the water back then.
“Sailing was part and parcel of my life from a very young age and in Malahide we were very lucky to have the excellent Broadmeadow waters, which proved to be a classic sailing nursery, as it was a safe inland location,” Graham stated.
“I can recall sailing in dinghies from as young as four or five and I was delighted to be involved in the Malahide club, as sailing had become our family sport.”
Graham said he was thrilled to get the opportunity to put together a book on the club’s history for its 50th anniversary.

“I put the idea of the book to the club’s committee members just over two years ago and thankfully I was given the go-ahead,” he stated.
“I had to wade through a huge amount of past information and photographs and the book became a real labour of love.
“I made handwritten notes on the most notable events from each different decade before sending out a questionnaire to all of the club’s past and present members to gain their feedback as well.”
Graham has collated the book in such a way that each decade is featured in its own right, with each different year then afforded at least a page.
As decades go, Graham said the 50s is still one that really stands out for him.
“From my own perspective the 50s was a very notable decade, not least because it was the time the club was started, but also because we proved very successful even back then,” he added.
“The club had some top dinghy sailors and it wasn’t uncommon for Malahide to have five out of the first seven places at any major dinghy competition around Ireland at the time.”
However, he said the 1970s was a decade when the club really came into its own.
“That’s when we had members first qualify for the Olympic Games and from 1972 to 2004 we have had members represent Ireland at eight of the nine Olympics,” declared Graham.
“But from the club’s perspective, 1980 would have to be seen as one of the best years ever.
“Firstly, the club opened its brand new clubhouse, which has since being extended; we were voted Ireland’s club of the year; and best of all, club member David Wilkins won a silver medal at the Olympics in the USSR.”
Graham is extremely proud of Malahide Yacht Club’s successful history.
“For a club that is still relatively small or average size, we have accomplished an awful lot,” he said.
“The popularity of sailing has also picked up a lot in the last few years after it waned a little in the 90s and the club continues to attract new members which is great.”
‘Malahide – 50 Years of Sailing’, is available to purchase from Malahide Yacht Club’s clubhouse on St James's Terrace, or from the website www.myc.ie

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