An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir March / April 2025 www.military.ie/magazine www.military www.military DEFENCE FORCES SAILING DELIVERS AT THE BEAUFORT CUP INTERNATIONAL SAILING REGATTA WHAT IS THE BEAUFORT CUP? The Beaufort Cup is a biennial international 5 day sailing regatta hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club during Cork Week with the support of the Defence Forces and Department of Defence. Since its inception in 2016, the Beaufort Cup has proven to be a resounding success, with upwards of 50 racing teams from various uniformed services competing over the years for the coveted Beaufort Cup Trophy and a sizeable donation to the winning teams chosen charity. Sailing teams from all over the world enjoy exciting sailing conditions in one of the finest natural harbours of the world while also experiencing the splendid views of the south coast of Ireland for the offshore race to the iconic Fastnet Rock lighthouse and back. Off the water, the excellent shore-side facilities allow the teams the opportunity to develop and foster relationships, which serve to enhance a spirit of co-operation, and mutual respect at all levels. WHO PARTICIPATES? Taking its name from the Irishman Sir Francis Beaufort, inventor of the Beaufort Wind Scale, the Beaufort Cup fleet traditionally comprises of racing teams all too familiar with the higher end of the Beaufort scale. Both national and international uniformed services of the Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, Police, Emergency Rescue Services and any other relevant services are invited to participate in the regatta. A seasoned campaigner of the Beaufort Cup, Peter Quinn (USN rtd), Director of US Patriot Sailing perhaps best captures the Beaufort Cup appeal; "Campaigning for the Beaufort Cup is an experience in world class Corinthian offshore sailing, international camaraderie & diplomacy, and the brilliant warmth of the Irish welcome! The Irish Ministry of Defence and the Royal Cork Yacht Club have created a premier charity sporting event deserving of international recognition and participation. In 2022, it was a big organizational step for US Patriot Sailing to compete in this regatta - our experience in Cork was so great that we committed on the spot to return in 2024 with 3 crews. We have a keen eye on winning the Cup, yet equally focused on reconnecting with friends made during the last Beaufort Cup campaign and on establishing new friendships across each of the international crews. When you come to Cork, bring your best - both on and off the water - this event will be a highlight in your life of memories!" For the Defence Forces Sailing Club, Beaufort Cup is our flagship event as event organisers and participants. DF Sailing has always fielded a strong racing team, and have emerged as the Beaufort Cup champions on three of the four iterations of the event. Our most recent campaign in 2024 was significant as for the first time we won all 6 races in the regatta, often by seconds, which shows the level of competition in the fleet. BEAUFORT CUP 2024….THE PREPARATIONS 'Most battles are won before they are fought' and this saying certainly rings true for yacht racing; preparation is key to success. Through the unwavering support of J7 Sports & Fitness Policy Section, DF Sailing conducts regular sail training during the sailing season where DF personnel are introduced to sailing practices, seamanship, safety on the water and boat handling. Here to fore this training was delivered by Flight Sergeant Adrian 'Jack' Mulligan, a keen yacht racer and key member of the DF sailing racing team. Jack identified those with racing potential during these training sessions and this allowed us to select the strongest racing team from all DF & RDF personnel who responded to the calling notice. Sailing takes many forms like most sports and in line with other years, our goal was to get everyone on the water safely making 22 | ARTICLE BY CDR BRIAN MATHEWS, HEAD OF DF SAILING Meridian Racing in Beaufort Cup. Photo credit Rick Tomlinson DF Sailing Team Back row: Lt Liam El Masry, Lt Ben Moran, Lt Stephen Shannon, Capt Alex Rumball, Flight Sgt Adrian Mulligan Front row: Lt(NS) Marcus Ryan, Lt(NS) Wietse Buwalda, Mr Simon Coveney, Cdr Brian Mathews Meridian Racing in Beaufort Cup. Photo credit Rick Tomlinson DF Sailing Team with the Sans Souci Cup winning the Beaufort Cup Offshore Challenge

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