A new organisation to cater for the specific needs of Irish cruising sailors – the Cruising Association of Ireland – has been formed.
The Cruising Assocaition of Ireland was formally launched by the Minister for the Marine, Mr.Frank Fahey TD, in Galway Bay Sailing Club on Saturday 21st April 2002.
Until now, the ever-increasing number of cruising sailors in Ireland had no official representation on a national scale to give information on or support for their particular cruising interests.
The long established Irish Cruising Club has its membership restricted to 550, so the thousands of other cruising enthusiasts needed their own forum. The new Cruising Association of Ireland will be one of the first 'Virtual' associations formed in this country as all information and registration will be done through the Internet on www.cruisingassociationofireland.com
A Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Eamon Markey of Howth YC, and comprising members of the Dun Laoghaire Clubs, Royal Cork, Galway Bay Sailing Club, and Howth, has drawn up a Constitution, and membership registration for EUR 30 per year is available on-line for existing ISA and RYA members.
The first General Meeting of the CAI will be held in Howth Yacht Club on Saturday 11th May at 14.00hours.