A nice westerly breeze and an incoming tide left Race Officer Ian Roche and able assistant Tim MacAdorey able to set a cracking good course for the large fleet of 25 boats. A and B fleets were separated at the start because of the numbers and Paddy Rooney got the best start at the committee boat end. But as the shifts took their toll on the first beat the McLaughlins managed to eke out a short lead at the windward mark with Michael O’Hare and Osmond Morris in second, and Henry McLaughlin junior in 3rd. From this point the McLaughlins carved out an unassailable lead to win their first race in the winter series. O’Hare meanwhile who had the series sewn up before the race, was going backwards and finished well down the rankings. Rooney clawed his way back to second place - maybe Santa will bring him a faster boat for Christmas? McLaughlin the younger had to settle for third and less than happy to be beaten by the ancient relics.
In the B Fleet
Connor O’Farrell took another win in the Laser 4.7 but the overall lead in the series will now change following a series of protests held on Sunday last.
After racing there was great excitement in the clubhouse as Santa arrived laden with his usual gifts and in fine voice for a rendition of his favourite song, Jingle Bells.
Remember the Mince Pie Race on Boxing Day, always well attended but watch out for the slightly earlier start at 13.45.
The two Connors fighting it out on the B Fleet start line
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