Overview
Galway Bay Sailing Club sits on the shore at Rinville near Oranmore, about 10 km from Galway city, with a clubhouse bar looking out over the inner bay. It races dinghies, cruisers and multihulls for adults and juniors, keeps six support boats and its own race officers, and has hosted regional and national events as well as the 1720 European Championship in 2025; it was Irish Sailing Club of the Year in 2023. As an accredited Irish Sailing training centre it runs the junior pathway from Start Sailing upwards, adult and powerboat courses, winter shore courses such as VHF SRC and diesel, and a sea-kayak training centre. Cruisers race a season of cups across Galway Bay, among them the Spring, Aran and Clarinbridge Cups.
- Federation
- Irish Sailing
- info@gbsc.ie
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere MRSC Valentia – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Spring Cupcruiser race, 2 May 2026
- Aran Cupcruiser race, 19 June 2026
- Clarinbridge Cupcruiser race, 29 August 2026
- King of the Bay
- Lambs Week
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
- Irish Sailing junior pathway: Start Sailing, Basic Skills, Improving Skills (ages 8–17) ↗
- Adult introduction to dinghy or keelboat sailing ↗
- Powerboat courses ↗
- VHF Radio – Short Range Certificate ↗
- RYA Diesel ↗
- PHECC First Aid Response ↗
- Sea kayak courses ↗
Boat classes
Location
- Position
- 53°14.67′ N 8°58.13′ W
53.24455, -8.96879 - Address
- Rinville, Oranmore
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Irish Sailing junior pathway: Start Sailing, Basic Skills, Improving Skills (ages 8–17), Adult introduction to dinghy or keelboat sailing, Powerboat courses, VHF Radio – Short Range Certificate and RYA Diesel.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: MRSC Valentia 112 / 999. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Spring Cup, Aran Cup, Clarinbridge Cup and King of the Bay.