Lough Derg Sailing Clubs compete for Garanfada Cup

The historic Corinthian Yacht Club Challenge Cup for cruiser racing, in memory of Ed Waller, took place on Lough Derg recently.

The are several sailing clubs round Lough Derg which have competitive cruiser racing and are always looking for younger member to join in the fun of cruiser racing. These include Garrykennedy Sailing club, in Garrykennedy, Iniscealtra Sailing Club in Mountshannon and Lough Derg Yacht Club in Dromineer.

One of the races this year was for The Garanfada Cup, which is sailed annually on Lough Derg in memory of Ed Waller, a victim of the Bali Bombing who died 12th October 2002, aged just 26.

Originally this trophy was the Lough Derg Corinthian Yacht Club Challenge Cup won outright by Robert Jocelyn Waller's yacht 'Checkmate' in 1907 and represented to Lough Derg Yacht Club by the late Brig. Hardress Waller in 2002, in memory of his grandson, Edward Waller, to encourage and promote cruiser racing on the lake and renamed the Garanfada cup.

Many of Ed's relatives and friends were among the crew on 'SILK', this year, in Garrykennedy for the 20th edition of the race.

Newtown natives and seasoned sailors Sue & Nigel Smithwick won the race this year in their class 2 Kelt 29 'Celtic Charisma’.

Lough Derg Yacht Club in Dromineer will be hosting the Freshwater Keelboat Regatta from 13- 15th October so come on down to see the fleets of one design keelboats, including Squibs, SB20’s, Dragons and Flying 15, racing for line honours. Look at the web page at LDYC.ie also for school sailing and after school sailing opportunities.