Although there is a long tradition of boating in the Ringsend/Irishtown area most locals would have viewed the sea as a way of earning a living, and for many years there was no tradition of organised boating or sailing clubs in the area.

The Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club (PYBC) was founded in 1970 by a group of enthusiasts from various boating backgrounds. The founding members of the club initially held its meetings in various locations in and around the area, such as the CYMS Hall, Irishtown Road, the Mission Hall, York Road, the IGB training centre, in fact anywhere that was available.

Eventually, they managed to acquire a trawler called the ‘Ros Pico’, which was purchased in 1972 and berthed at the bank to the east of the present site of the club house. The trawler was damaged in a high spring tide and gale that lifted the boat on to the rock armour and it rolled over on the falling tide. The enterprising club members managed to lift the wheelhouse and place it on the quayside and used it as a meeting room until the development of the first club house in 1987.

The new Club at South Bank, Pigeon House Road, Ringsend hosts a bar and lounge, showers, changing rooms, training facilities, television lounge and reading room. The new Poolbeg Marina has 100 fully serviced berths.

PYBC has 18 junior members at present. The Club is hosting an open day for juniors ranging in age from 8 to 17 years on Saturday 7th May between 2pm and 6pm for young people from the area who wish to learn boating skills. A parent or guardian must accompany all children.

All instructors are members of the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) and are fully qualified and trained to deal with young people, sailing and their safety. Young people can become members of PYBC for a small fee of €28 per year plus ISA membership of €14. Dave Berney is a member of the club committee and is the Secretary of the junior club.

James (Jimmy) Murphy is the Club Manager and will be only too pleased to deal with any enquiries for club member ship, or queries about the club or training or hiring the facilities for functions etc.

The official opening of the boat club will take place on Saturday 21st of May at 12pm and this will be followed with the traditional blessing of the boats on the following day Sunday 22nd of May also at midday.

Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club and Marina can be contacted at 6689983 (10.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday), email: club@poolbegmarina.ie, website: www.poolbegmarina.ie