Galway Hookers and their people
- Thread starter Wansworth
- Start date
newtothis
Well-Known Member
I think we call them personal entertainment professionals nowadays.
LittleSister
Well-Known Member
I lived Ireland, but deny I had any dealings with Galway hookers or mixed with that kind of folk. 
It reminds me that I did once sail, two handed, a 30'-ish modern wooden replica of the traditional sailing fishing boats of Baltimore, Ireland (I've forgotten their name). It was quite an experience, having to launch oneself when tacking across the seemingly vast expanse of the open wooden hull at just the right moment (too late or too early and you'd either have to climb or be thrown across, getting it roughly right merely resulted in a slightly less painful succession of half each of the two), and it impressed on me the merits of Bermudan rig and winches as opposed to gaff rig and blocks and tackle in a boat of that sort of size. The latter are bloody hard work, even if the eye and the heart lean in that direction and they have some sailing advantages. I was also rather mindful that these rock ballasted open boats would sink very much like a stone if they heeled too far (as happened on occasion in local races for the type).
You also needed a very well paid job in something far removed from fishing and farming to be able to afford to own or keep one.
It reminds me that I did once sail, two handed, a 30'-ish modern wooden replica of the traditional sailing fishing boats of Baltimore, Ireland (I've forgotten their name). It was quite an experience, having to launch oneself when tacking across the seemingly vast expanse of the open wooden hull at just the right moment (too late or too early and you'd either have to climb or be thrown across, getting it roughly right merely resulted in a slightly less painful succession of half each of the two), and it impressed on me the merits of Bermudan rig and winches as opposed to gaff rig and blocks and tackle in a boat of that sort of size. The latter are bloody hard work, even if the eye and the heart lean in that direction and they have some sailing advantages. I was also rather mindful that these rock ballasted open boats would sink very much like a stone if they heeled too far (as happened on occasion in local races for the type).
You also needed a very well paid job in something far removed from fishing and farming to be able to afford to own or keep one.
SimonX
Well-Known Member
Ladies of Negotiable Affection
Wansworth
Well-Known Member
Ah just clicked
underdog
Well-Known Member
I remember whilst holidaying nearby sailing from Cleggan to Inishbofin on the Galway hooker "Ave Maria"owned by the poet Richard Murphy in the early 60's ,who had renovated her in the late 50's, Some 12 years ago I found myself in Roundstone in Conemara on the day of the annual regatta. The sight of the hookers racing in the bay with their Tan sails will remain with me for ever. I also remember calling at Inishbofin ,an enchanted isle, and safe anchorage, after a lively passage from the Aran Isands on a voyage round Ireland back in 2010.
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rotrax
Well-Known Member
I lived Ireland, but deny I had any dealings with Galway hookers or mixed with that kind of folk.
It reminds me that I did once sail, two handed, a 30'-ish modern wooden replica of the traditional sailing fishing boats of Baltimore, Ireland (I've forgotten their name). It was quite an experience, having to launch oneself when tacking across the seemingly vast expanse of the open wooden hull at just the right moment (too late or too early and you'd either have to climb or be thrown across, getting it roughly right merely resulted in a slightly less painful succession of half each of the two), and it impressed on me the merits of Bermudan rig and winches as opposed to gaff rig and blocks and tackle in a boat of that sort of size. The latter are bloody hard work, even if the eye and the heart lean in that direction and they have some sailing advantages. I was also rather mindful that these rock ballasted open boats would sink very much like a stone if they heeled too far (as happened on occasion in local races for the type).
You also needed a very well paid job in something far removed from fishing and farming to be able to afford to own or keep one.
Well, back in the late 70's I was running a course for Kawasaki Motorcycle dealers in the old, now long gone, Central Hotel in Dublin. The Kawasaki Importer was M&B Kawasaki, based near St. Stephens Green. One of their staff, we shall call him Mick, for that was indeed his name, was busy putting a Hooker back into sailing trim after it had had an old, very tall single cylinder diesel installed in the hold, on the wonk to avoid the keel, which he needed to get going so he could get it to his preffered hardstanding which was free. The engine was to be removed and mast and rigging replaced so he could join the 'Circuit' of rallies and regata's that had Hookers taking part, once he got it hauled out at the free yard and completed the work.
Mick was working on the boat alongside the fishing jetty at Skerries. He did not turn up for the end of course meal and piss-up, so the Partner in M&B, Eamon, said "Lets go and turf dat daft bugger out of his engine room and get him down to der pub!" So we did.
When we got to Skerries, we were not able to get onto the jetty for drying nets and pots. We spied the Hooker, just starting to lift on the tide, the lid of the cylinder head cover put to one side and a pair of boots ond boiler suited legs lying on the deck with the head and shoulder down the hole.
"Mick, whats taking so long - I tort yer was only changing de injector!" Shouted Eamon.
"Eamon, yer prick, deres not enough room down 'ere to change yer bloody mind!" came Mick's animated reply!
Made me laugh! Mick went on to completely restore it and was a regular and well known entrant in the sport of Hooker Racing!
The mind boggles at what non sailors and antique boat enthusiasts make of that term.............................
rotrax
Well-Known Member
Wonderful sailing on Irelands west coast.
Never been further north than Dingle though-we loved it so much we tarried to long in places we loved-especiall Derrynane.
Wansworth
Well-Known Member
I
brilliant!
dansaskip
Well-Known Member
Thought you might like this picture of a Galway Hooker taken off Kilronan Harbour on Inishmore when I sailed around Ireland in 2004.
Gurrig
Well-Known Member
If anyone is interested in a looksee https://www.galwaytourism.ie/event/cruinniu-na-mbad-festival/
dgadee
Well-Known Member
Goodly number of Galway Hookers sink. I remember the The Connacht.
Buy something which won't spring a plank has been my motto.
Buy something which won't spring a plank has been my motto.
LittleSister
Well-Known Member
While I'd certainly recommend generally avoiding it, I reckon you can't call yourself a fully experienced sailor until you have been sunk!