31st OCT: TOMs SEASON RESTARTS

Published 09:57 on 3 Nov 2026

The TOMs season restarted on Saturday 31st October. RCNC prepared two boats for us, but due to demand hastily prepared a third, when we told them 12 people had signed up to sail. A number of new members joined for the first time. There were also a couple of existing CBYA members who had not done much sailing, joining the TOMs for the first time too.  

The weather forecast was for wind and rain. But luckily the rain stopped just as we were leaving the marina, but the wind, although patchy and at times gusty, held for most of the session. It only went light when it was time to sail back into the marina, so all three boats got out safely and back in safely.

So what do they call two boats out on the water? A race! With three boats out we took buoys with us to lay a windward/leeward course, but due to radio communications issues, there was a lot of confusion about who was laying which buoys. Despite shouting across the water, we didn't achieve laying a course and so gave up and practised basic manoeuvres; man overboard, heaving too etc. until it was 2pm and time to head back.

Footnote: the TOMs sailing members last year contributed enough into the Collision Damage Waver fund for us not to have to charge for it this year. This makes booking more straight forward with members only required to pay €20 in cash, on the day

If you would like to try out sailing on a TOM 28, the next scheduled event is on Saturday the 7th November.

Last updated 10:00 on 3 November 2026