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Model yachts return to Moville
14.09.12
An Inishowen seaside
community will launch and race a flotilla of 25
beautiful model yachts tomorrow following the
revival of a long-lost boat-building tradition.
The scaled racing yachts, measuring three-foot long
with four-foot masts, were built by children and
adults in the Moville and Greencastle areas. |
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Cahir Kelly and James Kelly working
on their boat. |
Their creation marks
the revival of a local tradition that died out many
years ago. Project leaders say the initiative has
brought the generations together and has enhanced
the social life of the community.
The project was spearheaded by the local Foyle
Rowing Club in association with the Donegal VEC and
Moville Family Resource Centre. Classes began in
Moville Community College last January under the
tutelage of Paddy Gillespie and Robert Kelly. The
yachts were built to the plan of the Starlet 36.
"Building the model yachts was a cross-generational
exercise, with an adult and child teaming up to
build their boat," said Brid McGinley of Foyle
Rowing Club.
"The class was educational, sociable and very
enjoyable. No previous experience or any particular
expertise was required."
"Paddy and Robert coped with a wide range of
abilities in the class and they used their skill and
patience to nurse the fourteen models to completion.
A number of additional models were built outside
class." |
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The model yachts will be launched
from Moville Pier on Saturday at 5pm. |
The boats, sponsored by
local organisations and businesses, are now ready to
be put to sea and will be launched and raced from
Moville Pier on Saturday at 5pm. They can be viewed
this evening at the Anchor Arts Centre at the pier.
"It is expected that there will be about 25 models
in the fleet and the race promises to be quite a
spectacle," added Brid. She said the club was very
grateful to the tutors and everyone who helped with
the project. More classes are being planned for
early next year. |
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