Rooney robs Roche

Race officer Michael O’Hare held off launching as a heavy squall approached from the west. He need not have bothered as 10 minutes later the fleet struggled to get to the start line against a fast ebbing tide and almost no wind. When eventually a start was possible, half the fleet including this correspondent, was left going backwards, not crossing the line until at least 5 minutes after the gun.

Old sea dog Ian Roche however had as usual got the best start and the race from then on was really between him, Rooney/McDonagh and Jim Linton who also managed a clean get-away. Sailing however is a cruel business and although Roche crossed the finish line first, Rooney had managed to close the gap enough to lift the O’Farrell Trophy by just ONE second on handicap.

The rest of the A-fleet had a spirited race with the Cranley Boys, Browne/Burgess and Adrian Hand vying for best of the rest. But just as they were approaching the line, the wind died and the tide took them rapidly in the wrong direction so they returned home with only a DNF to show for their efforts.

Best of the B Fleet was Tom O’Hare who finished fourth when adjustments were applied for the shorter B-fleet course. David Corkey and Rachel McKay were only seconds behind, in 5th and 6th place.

Andy Browne and Diane Burgess going backwards.

Tom O’Hare Led the B-fleet Last Sunday.