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WEST PIER
SAILING CLUB
About Us
The West Pier Sailing Club was formed in 2015. Our ethos is to spread the passion, beauty and wonder we have found in water sports. Our members take part in paddle boarding, sea kayaking and powerboating, also sailing in dinghies, J80s sports boats and yachts.
We have members who have qualified as yacht masters and instructors, and raced in Dublin Bay and offshore. Some have sailed in many areas of the world and even across the Atlantic. Over our few short years in existence, we have exploded the myth of the elitism connected to the sailing experience. Giving people access to the world of sailing and water sports using a pay-as-you-go model and connected to a modest annual club membership fee, providing access at a low cost and at the club member's own pace and to suit all budgets and needs.
Come and share our passion and begin what may be a life-changing experience. Where will you begin your journey?
History and Formation...
Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School Principal Alistair Rumball had a long held dream of replicating the easy, informal and enjoyable sailing club scene he witnessed in France in the 1970s. This dream became a reality after 40 years when in late 2014 the decision was taken to form the Club.
The Irish National Sailing Club name has appeared around the Dun Laoghaire waterfront over the years as the trading name of Alistair's sailing school's adult course section. Graduates would continue to sail with the school in a safe, relaxed environment with school support alongside, which was known as club sailing. The separation of the Club from the school serves to allow club sailors to become members, with ownership and a say in the direction of their club, while keeping what was good about the relationship with the school.
To accomplish this vision, Alistair set about finding like-minded individuals (namely that sailing should be just that - sailing, without all the extra fuss). His son Kenneth had recently taken over the running of the Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School and was brought on board along with senior instructors Glyn Williams and Calum Paterson. Club sailors Joan Sheffield and Robin Jones came onboard, representing Dinghy and Keelboat sailors. Finally, Andy Boyle, a well-known dinghy and yacht racer from Dun Laoghaire came onboard, and with that a committee was formed.
Since its foundation in 2015 as the Irish National Sailing Club (INSC), the club grew, adapted, and thrived—through Covid-19, numerous regattas, and the support of generous grants that helped us expand our fleet and improve facilities. We’ve always remained closely connected to the Irish National Sailing School, and that relationship continues. But with a renewed sense of purpose and community, it was time for a fresh identity. On Sunday, 6th April 2025, we officially changed our name to the West Pier Sailing Club.