DT and I used to drive to Italy and Greece towing two Hurricane 5.9s - max towing width . We made a holiday of it and enjoyed the journey.  You can either take one ferry from France and drive up through Ireland, or travel across to England and get another ferry to Belfast.  All quite “do-able” but it takes a little longer.

Are you aware that in Bangor we have a very good 5* marina within easy walking (or cycle) distance of the club?  Why not invite family and friends to bring their boat over and join in the craic.  It is right in the town centre, close to the shops, pubs and restaurants.  Contact Kevin on bangormarina@quaymarinas.com or visit their website www.quaymarinas.com.

Whatever your style of travel or accommodation is; there’s something to suit every pocket.

Here’s a excerpt from the F18 Chairman’s letter – Will Sunnucks has raced at Ballyholme in the past and enjoyed the event!

 “In 2014 we will have an F18 World Championship in Ireland, right on our doorstep.  We have as many places as we need, so there will be no pre-qualification requirement. http://2014.f18worlds.com/.  I hope that we will have a strong GBR contingent, and that you will get out your diary NOW and mark 5-11 July in ink.  Please also encourage good non-f18 sailors to participate - there are second hand boats around, and for those who don't want to buy AHPC are offering chartered C2s.
I would welcome views on how we all get to Ballyholme.  Don Findlay has been checking out container costs from Southampton - would a container be helpful?  For me the independence of one car, one boat, one trailer beats the hassle of taking the boat apart and loading a container.  Those who want to economise will double trail …. or face official disapproval by sailing the 25 miles from Scotland.  Feedback on the container issue welcome.

Put Ballyholme in your diary for July 5-11.  I went there for a Hurricane Europeans: the welcome and hospitality were the best ever.  When we go to a South coast location we are one of many classes, but in Northern Ireland we are special and the whole community pulls together. I warmly recommend that you go.”

Happy New Year to you all and we hope you’ll all come to Ballyholme Yacht Club and sample some great Irish hospitality and craic!