Rafferty and McKevitt have a “Smashing” Sail

With wind gusting force 4 from the west yesterday, race officer Kieran Cranley decided that it was unsafe for the less experienced juniors to sail so unfortunately they had to pack up again. Racing continued for the A Fleet and the more experienced section of the B Fleet.

Race 1 was hotly contested between Michael O’Hare/Osmond Morris, Ian Finnegan/Mel Hughes and Henry and Liz McLaughlin who got to the first windward mark ahead of the rest. However in the strong winds O’Hare/Morris were able to snatch back the lead on the second beat and looked certain to take the win until an untimely collision with a mark cost them a 360 penalty allowing the McLaughlins to sneak past and take the honours by a few seconds.

Race 2 started with Rafferty/McKevitt having a smashing time trying to take out the opposition but despite this they were second at the windward mark and looked well placed for a podium position when a capsize intervened and forced them to retire. This left O’Hare/Morris and the McLaughlins fighting for first. With the wind dropping O’Hare just couldn’t get the boat speed and had to settle for second again.

In the B Fleet Dara O’Connor hot from the Laser Ulsters took first place with Connor O’Farrel in second. Also sailing extra well yesterday were Tom O’Hare and Stephen Finnegan who took third and fourth respectively. O’Connor made it a double in Race 2 leaving the competition standing.

The Orr Trophy coaching commenced last week and those present took part in a variety of exercises to improve their racing skills and ready them for the Orr Trophy racing series proper. Sailors should be ready and rigged at 7pm on Tuesdays.


Photo: Terry Rafferty and Michael McKevitt, sailing stock car style!