Sea change at the RCYC
After 303 years of smooth sailing, the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven have decided to shake things up by appointing Annamarie Fegan, their first female Admiral.
The world’s oldest yacht club is to set a course for the 21st century by also including three women in the club’s new executive, steering the organisation into uncharted waters and away from its gentlemen’s club past. Speaking about being the first woman to hold the highest position in the club, Annamarie said: “As the club's first female Admiral, I stand on the shoulders of outstanding female members who worked tirelessly for the club but were not given this opportunity.
“I am confident that we have amazing girls rising up through the ranks who will be well suited to take on this post in the future. I’m very excited about working with the new leadership team as the volunteers are the backbone of the club,” she said.
Over the last 25 years, Annamarie has held a number of voluntary positions within the club, and has been instrumental in hosting some of the club’s biggest events, including the Volvo Cork Week. The former owner of catering business, Annamarie re-trained as a co-creational psychotherapist and recently completed a masters in the psychotherapy of relationship mentoring.
Discussing her aspirations for the role, Annamarie aims to get the younger generation out on the water. “I’m really passionate about giving opportunities to get more young people on the water. We have pathways for all ages into sailing from young kids to teens and adults. Not everyone can afford to own a boat but every boat needs a crew and we are always looking for crew,” she said.
“Anyone can get involved these days and it’s a really great sport. You learn fantastic skills from basic boat-handling to decision-making. Most of all it’s fun and challenging.
“We here at the Royal Cork are working really hard to break through the social and financial barriers that may have prevented people from trying out sailing up to now. We want to make it accessible for all who wish to give it a try. For instance, every 6th class child in Crosshaven gets the chance to do a one-week sailing course,” she added. Minister Simon Coveney congratulated Annemarie and the RCYC on the appointment, saying: “Annamarie’s leadership will inspire a new generation of sailing families. I am confident that under her leadership the Royal Cork Yacht Club will remain at the cutting edge of sailing in the coming decades.”