Tom MacSweeney maritime column: Legendary Cork yacht Moonduster set to sail on

“It is now a quarter of a century since Moonduster was last seen sailing away from Crosshaven, taking with her a level of emotional attachment that few boats can match.”

“Moonduster means so much to so many people. She has been a part of Irish and international sailing for over 40 years. She has spent over 20 years of life in Norway, but she has not changed, she is wonderful.”

Two quotes about the legendary Cork yacht, Denis Doyle’s Crosshaven-built Frers 51 Moonduster, on which restoration is continuing in Norway after extensive damaged caused by a ferry.

Moonduster was sold to Norway in 2002 after Denis Doyle died in 2001. She was to be the centre of a sea school project in Trondheim. But resources and support faded away and she started to deteriorate.

On the national maritime website, Afloat, this week noted sailing writer, WM Nixon, recalls that she was a “very special boat from the moment she first sailed in May 1981”.

Restoration

Current owners John Kavanagh, originally from Kinsale and now resident in Estonia, and Norwegian Tom Solberg, have devoted time, effort and financial involvement to the restoration.

Kavanagh first saw Moonduster in the 1980s.

“As a Flying Fifteen sailor in Kinsale, I longed to race offshore, I dreamt of the Round Ireland Race, the Fastnet, and Whitbread Round the World Race. Racing in Kinsale with Conor Doyle aboard his Dragon Elsa, Moonduster powered into and through the harbour. I exclaimed that it was the most beautiful racing yacht I have ever seen.”

He tells Nixon that he met Denis Doyle and got to race aboard Moonduster. Then, when it was deteriorating, became friendly with Tom Solberg, one of the owners trying to maintain ‘Duster,’ as she was known in Cork waters.

“Tom and I became good friends. We have the same goal in mind, to bring Moonduster back to life. In 2024 we agreed the time was right and so it began. By the Spring of 2025, Moonduster really was coming back to life. The yacht we knew was becoming herself again, but in July while at her berth in Trondheim, disaster struck.

“The Munkholmen Passenger ferry, carrying 100 passengers and driven by an unlicensed skipper, crashed through the side of Moonduster’s hull, causing extreme damage. Over the coming months we remediated the damage in a temporary but effective style.”

They then sailed her from Trondheim westerly to Hitra.

Majestic

“Moonduster was majestic as always as her powerful hull graced its way through the waves. Even with the breach in her side, her repair didn’t allow a drop of water inside. Her engine and hydraulics working flawlessly. I realised Moonduster means so much to so many people.

“Denis Scully, maste shipwright who worked on her original construction in Crosshaven Boatyard has joined our small team with his wealth of knowledge and passion for the old girl. Mark Mansfield of Quantum Sails, one of the crew on Moonduster Admiral’s Cup Team 1981 has pledged his allegiance and will work alongside our team to bring her back to full racing life.”

Tom Solberg posted on the ‘Moonduster IR399 Friends’ Page on Facebook which has 850 members.

“Moonduster is currently indoor for the winter at Skarsvaag Boats in Hitra, where she will undergo repairs after having been rammed by Munkholmbåten. A further refurbishment will have her shipshape."

John Kavanagh tells WM Nixon: “Perhaps she will have a homecoming visit in the near future with her beautiful spinnaker overshadowing Roches Point once again.” 

Cork Port 2026 Forecast

Port of Cork CEO, Ann Doherty, says that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the port “as we progress our deepwater berths and infrastructure to support Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions. We are also anticipating a robust cruise season at Cobh Cruise Terminal, and more cruise visitors to Bantry.”

Forecasting the year ahead in a post on LinkedIn she adds: “We’re looking forward to working closely with harbour stakeholders to ensure growth in trade tourism and jobs aligned with environmental stewardship.”

New boat At NMCI

The National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy has a new freefall/side-launch lifeboat and fast rescue boat simulators. Operational for training this month.

“These systems create new opportunities for emergency services, coast guard and first-responder training, supporting realistic multi-agency exercises in mass evacuation, rescue co-ordination and casualty recovery. The simulators, supplied by Virtual Marine, feature replica lifeboat and rescue boat control cabins, allowing trainees to operate equipment exactly as they would at sea, across a wide range of weather conditions, sea states and day or night scenarios,” said the NMCI.

“This upgrade is part of a wider investment in simulation and training capability reinforcing NMCIs role as Ireland’s centre of excellence for maritime safety, emergency response and offshore operations training.”

Cork River Weirs

A €14m national project by Fisheries Ireland to improve river weirs includes several in Cork: On the Glashaboy; at Ovens Bridge/Bride River; two weirs at Doneraile, and at Araglin Bridge.

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