Girls Aloud at Lough Derg Yacht Club
A New Era of Leadership
Lough Derg Yacht Club (LDYC) is ushering in a transformative chapter for 2025.
For the first time in its history, three out of the four Flag Officers elected are women—a remarkable milestone for the Club. This follows in the wake of trailblazing contributions from past commodores, ex-Irish Sailing President Niamh McCutcheon and Lucy Sanders.
At the helm is Anne-Marie Cox, the newly elected Commodore. A passionate sailor, Anne-Marie and her husband Brendan actively race a Shannon One Design (SOD) on Lough Derg and Water Wags in Dun Laoghaire. Her family is deeply rooted in the sailing community, with her children participating in the Irish Optimist circuit and with her daughter Philippa at the UK Optimist Nationals this past August.
Moving up the ladder is Catherine Adley, who transitions from Rear Commodore to Vice Commodore. Previously responsible for House & Premises, Catherine is also a fishing enthusiast. One of many aims is to integrate fishing members more closely into LDYC’s activities, emphasizing the dual nature of the Club as both a sailing and fishing community.
The newly elected Rear Commodore-Sailing, Adair Leech, is no stranger to her role, having served as Sailing Secretary. LDYC welcomes the Squib Irish Championship in June, the Optimist Connaught’s in July and The Keelboat Regatta in October, plus other exciting events in development.
Balancing the team is Robert Grace, Rear Commodore – Premised & House. Robert, the sole male Flag Officer, returned from India to his native Dromineer, Robert brings a unique perspective and "eastern spice" to the committee’s protocols and traditions.
The shift toward female leadership doesn’t stop at the Flag Officers. Women now hold several other key positions in the club, including Junior Organiser and Mooring Secretary, Membership and Events planning.
However, LDYC maintains a balanced committee structure, with eight women and nine men serving overall. However, tradition still holds sway in some areas, with the Commodore's spouse historically taking on tea-making duties, so Brendan, consider yourself on deck!
LDYC women continue to make waves internationally. The youngest members, the Donagh sisters in the Optimist class competed in the Optimist Worlds in Argentina in December. Irish Sailing 29er sailors, Gemma Brady and Grace Keating, began their winter training in Valencia on December 27, with determined plans for success in 2025.
Meanwhile, professional sailor Pamela Lee has her sights set on the solo transatlantic Route du Rhum in 2026, fresh off completing the gruelling Transat Jacques Vabre race in 2023.
LDYC is proud to have such a dynamic and capable leadership team steering the Club into 2025. The emphasis is now on encouraging more moms and dads to take to the water. As always, LDYC extends a warm welcome to sailors and enthusiasts from across the community to enjoy the beauty and camaraderie of Lough Derg.
Fair winds to all in this exciting new chapter at Lough Derg Yacht Club!