OUTDOORS Summer solstice sailing around Clew Bay

CLEWED IN Daria and Alex Blackwell, members of Mayo Sailing Club, know the joy of sailing around the 365 islands of Clew Bay at this time of year.

You say solstice, I say Sailstice


Ciara Moynihan

Every year, on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice, sailors all around the world join up with their friends for a global celebration of sailing called, appropriately enough, the Summer Sailstice.
For sailors around Clew Bay, this is the perfect time to get out on the waves and head to any one of the bay’s 365 islands for a beach picnic on a magical evening. Just think of all those eggs-in-a-basket islands spread out in the light of the longest dusk, lapped by waves twinkling in the twilight… Sure even the most reluctant seafarer would be tempted!
This year, Summer Sailstice takes place on Saturday, June 23, and Mayo Sailing Club is organising a unique event to mark it – a treasure hunt around Clew Bay.
The hunt, which is open to everyone, including non members, is being co-ordinated by the club’s commodore, Rory Casey.
Boats taking part will set sail to find clues scattered around the islands of Clew Bay. Each clue will lead to the next, and whoever gets to the final clue first will get the prize – a bottle of that tipple most associated with sailing: rum.
Speaking to The Mayo News, Mayo Sailing Club member Ann Caulfield explains that a pilot treasure hunt was run in May, to make sure the idea would work. “Over a dozen boats took part,” Ann said, “and it was a roaring success. This spurred us on to hold another one for the Summer Sailstice.”
But don’t worry if you weren’t involved in the trial run. “The route has been changed, so newcomers won’t be at a disadvantage,” Ann explained. Depending on the wind and conditions, the course should take around an hour and a half to complete.
Daria and Alex Blackwell, members of Mayo Sailing Club, believe that mid to late June is one of the most special times of the year to sail around the bay. “It’s a perfect excuse to be bewitched by the sea all around us – its natural beauty, its amazing wildlife and its never-ending plays of light and dark, shades of blues and greens and undulations between winds and waves,” says Daria. “If you have a boat, use Summer Sailstice as an excuse to dust off the cobwebs and turn your gaze back towards the sea. If you haven’t been out there yet this year, just do it on June 23.”
Mayo Sailing Club’s Summer Sailstice Treasure Hunt around the islands of Clew Bay takes place on Saturday, June 23, at 4pm. Food and fun in the clubhouse at Rosmoney, Westport, afterwards. The race is open to everybody, but places are limited, so contact info@mayosailingclub.com to register your interest and find out more.

Mayo Sailing Club
Established in 1976, Mayo Sailing Club has over 250 members, with 33 cruiser/racers, five adult dinghies and 25 junior dinghies all taking part in activities during the season. From regular summer cruising along the west coast and its islands, to wilderness expeditions to the Antarctic and Arctic, members are united by their enthusiasm for sailing.
New members are always welcome – and you don’t have to own a boat. You can join and sail on other people’s boats. They have the responsibilities and you have all the fun! There are plenty of boat owners who need crew for racing or are willing to take along an extra pair of hands on a cruise.
For more information on the club, visit www.mayosailingclub.ie.