Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club - Select Image To View Photographs

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DMYC RIB

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The DMYC is known for its Frostbite series and dinghy racing, where RIBs (acting as committee or rescue boats) are constantly out moving buoys to adjust for the wind. It’s a very "insider" shot that perfectly captures the work behind the scenes at the West Pier.

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To my friends across the Atlantic: in this part of the world, we pronounce 'buoy' exactly like 'boy.' So, while he’s actually just setting the racecourse with some inflatable markers, I couldn't resist the chance to suggest he was out for a family trip with his sons!

Located at the end of the West Pier in the historic harbour of Dun Laoghaire, the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club (DMYC) stands as a beacon for sailors and photographers alike. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and its iconic, weather-beaten location, it offers a distinct visual contrast to the more formal yacht clubs lining the waterfront.

**A Legacy on the West Pier

The DMYC was founded in 1965 by a group of dedicated boating enthusiasts, most notably Edward ‘Ned’ Montgomery. While the grander clubs in the harbour were often seen as bastions of the social elite, the DMYC was established with a more egalitarian spirit—focusing on the love of the sea, motor boating, and dinghy racing without the traditional "pomp and ceremony."

Where It Stands in History

In the context of Irish and global sailing, the DMYC is a relatively modern addition, yet it holds a vital place in the maritime community.

In Ireland: Compared to its neighbours, it is the "younger sibling." The Royal Cork Yacht Club (founded in 1720) is the oldest in the world, and Dun Laoghaire’s own Royal St. George (1838) and Royal Irish (1831) predated the DMYC by over a century.

Worldwide: While it lacks the centuries-old heritage of the British or Irish "Royals," the DMYC represents the mid-20th-century boom in accessible boating. It was part of a global movement to make the water available to the general public, rather than just the landed gentry.

For the photographer, the DMYC is a treasure trove. Between the vibrant Frostbite races in the winter and the golden hour light hitting the West Pier, it captures the raw, authentic heart of Dublin’s sailing culture.

Art Deco Church - Select Image To View Photographs