Welcome to WIORA
Promoting & Developing Racing and Cruising on the West Coast of Ireland
WIORA 2023
The annual WIORA championship was held in the idyllic location of Inis Mór, Aran Islands. In very challenging conditions, despite the weather, Principal Race Officer, Scorie Walls ran four races in total.
Day 1 conditions were difficult; however, 3 races were successfully completed.
30 of the 40 boats registered made it to the start line, across 6 categories.
Day 2 unfortunately the weather won, and all racing was cancelled.
On day 3, Fortunately, weather conditions improved. The Long Offshore was set. A course to Rossaveal, including a beat, a reach, and run which proved very enjoyable for all sailors.
Crews from 8 WIORA clubs competed this year which is a great uptake for the championship. It included 2 U25 teams from Galway and Sligo. Both teams received a grant of €1000 to help their clubs to promote U25 Keelboat sailing in the West of Ireland. With 3 already established U25 crews, Mayo, and Royal Western Yacht Club hope to add to this fleet by supporting their own U25 programs also.
Inclusion was the theme of this year’s event with the WIORA Commodore leading the charge, as his bowman, Leon is autistic. Dis-A-Ray was not the only boat in the fleet however, as the gang in Show Girl also flew the flag for neurodiversity this year.
The islanders could not have been warmer and more welcoming. Entertainment, food, and venues certainly lived up to their reputations as they were nothing short of excellent.
In conclusion, the general feeling is that this year’s championship was a great event and will be remembered fondly. As it resembled WIORA championships of old. With that said, it would be remiss not to mention the people that made this year’s event memorable, Fergal Lyons GBSC, Scorie Walls PRO, John Paul & Pat mark laying crew from Fones yacht club, Fergal, John & Sean safety rib from Mayo and last but not least, WIORA committee.
WIORA Offshore Series
Boat of The Year
Criteria for Boat of The Year can be found on the website. The winner of WIORA Boat of The Year is announce at the AGM. Prizing giving and photos on the night.
Notice of Race 2024
Wiora 2024 dates confirmed. Foynes yacht club 12th to the 15th of June 2024
Meet the Committee
Name
Role
Club
Raymond McGibney
Commodore
F.Y.C
Gary Fort
Treasurer
T.B.S.C
Rachel Conway
Secretary
F.Y.C
Mary McCormack
Committee
F.Y.C
Liam Burke
Committee
G.B.S.C.
Liam Lynch
Committee
T.B.S.C.
Adrian O’ Connell
Committee
R.W.Y.C
Brian Griffin
Committee
K.Y.C
Contact
Have a question? Feel free to email us using the form below!
