Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The Blues on the Bay Race

On Saturday 28th May, the Blues on the Bay Race 2011 was hosted by Carlingford Lough Yacht Club, and in very strong wind, a number of fearless crews raced for the trophy. Conditions were exciting – Force 5 to 6 from the North West with crazy gusts from all other directions. Paul Kavanagh at the helm of AQUABAT had the best start at Killowen, heading for Rostrevor Bay, but was eventually overtaken in a daring challenge by Michael O’Hare’s AURORA (a faster boat).

The boats battled against the wind on to Warrenpoint, meeting the tall ship ANTIGUA which was heading out of the Lough on one of its Blues Cruises. From Warrenpoint back to Killowen, AURORA led the whole way, with AQUABAT in second place, and Gerry Byrne’s ATLANTIC DIVA in a well deserved third place. This was a brave effort by AQUABAT, considering she was missing a few sail battens, and had a novice crew!

The prize giving took place at CLYC, and Mick McCann stood in for Brian McCann as Cruiser Racing Secretary to present the prizes. Mick reminded the assembled audience that Cruiser racing in the CLYC Early Season, will continue on Saturdays, next Saturday’s race, on 4-Jun-11, being sponsored by AQUABAT

The results, after adjustment for handicaps, were as follows:
1st – The Blues on the Bay Trophy – Michael O’Hare – AURORA
2nd – A pair of Blues Cruise tickets on the tall ship ANTIGUA – Paul Kavanagh – AQUABAT
3rd – Gerry Byrne – ATLANTIC DIVA









The crew on AQUABAT, shortly after the start, with AURORA well behind AURORA on its way to victory, after passing AQUABAT











Paul Kavanagh, as runner-up, being presented with a prize Winning skipper, Michael O’Hare, receives the Blues on the Bay Trophy

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