A little bit about us....
Great Island Sailing Club was established in 2018 to promote, grow and support sailing activities in Cobh and Cork Harbour.
There is a wealth of experience amongst our members and committee, ensuring expertise and standards are second to none.
Our ethos is one of inclusivity, we aim to make sailing and kayaking as accessible as possible to everyone in our community. Introducing and growing a love for the sports is held as a priority.
All our programmes are accredited by Irish Sailing, the governing body for sailing in Ireland and all tuition is delivered by fully qualified sailing instructors.
Great Island Sailing Club and Cove Sailing Club are working together to continue to support sailing in Cobh.
Join us to sail or kayak, make new friends, and gain a love for the water. Do Something great!
Club / Social News
Sailing News
Kayaking News
Our Team
Johanna Murphy
Commodore
Johanna has a wealth of experience in the sailing world. She recently became the first Lady Commodore for SCORA (South Coast Offshore Racing Association) and is also on the executive committee of ICRA (Irish Cruiser Racing Association). She says “sailing is about enjoying yourself and getting out on the water and that is what we are here to promote”.
Ian Scandrett
Vice Commodore
Ian has always had a passion for the ocean since growing up surfing as a small boy in Cornwall.
He went on to master Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, SUP and Powerboating. Ian is an Irish Sailing Senior Instructor and a Commercially endorsed Yachtmaster. He also owns an impressive Sigma 38.
Rob Pasley
Centre Principal
Rob has been involved in sports management and coaching most of his life, in both commercial and voluntary settings. You will find him in the dinghy park most Saturday mornings during the season organising sailing and kayaking for our junior members, and other times you will find him somewhere in the harbour in a kayak
Deirdre Pearson
Treasurer
Deirdre has volunteered for a number of years with JCI Cobh, Douglas and St. Finbarr’s Scout Troop and now Great Island Sailing Club. With a background in Finance, she lends her knowledge and experience to the role of Treasurer. Deirdre is an active disability advocate promoting Inclusion and hopes to implement sailing courses for every ability in the future.
Caroline Dooley
PRO & DLP
Caroline is the club’s Public Relations Officer and has a wealth of professional experience in PR, marketing and communications. She’s been involved in sailing since childhood and is delighted to now live in Cobh where she’s able to return to the water. Certified with Level 3 Safeguarding, she is also the club’s Designated Liaison Officer.
Michelle Gray-Mooney
Junior Officer & IS Liaison Officer
Michelle has been heavily involved in junior sailing in Cobh for over 10 years. A previous dinghy instructor herself, with power boat and safety boat qualifications, Michelle certainly knows her stuff! She has been running junior sailing for many years in the area with the aim of introducing both juniors and older teens to the joys of sailing.
George Radley
Maintenance Officer
George Radley is responsible for maintaining our boats at GISC. George is a renowned racer and ocean sailor with an enormous passion for sailing. He himself owns IMP, the famous 40ft boat, and the classic Cork Harbour One Design, Querida as well as the well know Cortegada.
Tim Meagher
Cruiser Sailing Secretary
Tim, recently returned to his native Cobh, joined GISC as a Skipper. He has been sailing all his life, starting on dinghies as a child. Tim supports the promotion of inclusive sailing at GISC and won ‘Boat of the Year’ in 2018. He is out on the water at every opportunity, whether it’s racing or for one of our “On the Water gatherings”.
John Ryan
Kayaking Secretary
John is a passionate sea kayaker and holds a Level 3 in sea kayaking skills. He is a man with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge. John is responsible for developing sea kayaking for the club..
Helen Mulligan
Children's Officer
Helen, a grandmother of 4, is a great supporter of junior sailing in Cobh for 4 years now. She’s passionate about kids being competent on the water. Helen is the first point of contact for kids and their parents should any issues or concerns arise while kids are under our supervision. She’s a friendly face who will be in the dinghy park throughout the Summer season.