Hands Across the Water

Carlingford Lough Yacht Club hosted a highly successful weekend of yacht racing to mark it's Cruiser Regatta. On Saturday the 25th boats from the Club at Killowen welcomed competitors from Carlingford, Warrenpoint and a surprise entry of Yves Letertre from Brest in France. The winds grew steadily in strength in the series of three races leading to exciting, close fought contests.

Mick McCann receives his trophy from Cruiser Secretary Chris Cassidy

In the visitor’s category Humdinger (Michael McCabe) won first place with an inspired performance. Cherubino (Yves Letertre) took second, and Atlantic Diva (Gerry Byrne and John Gray) stormed through the fleet to claim a well earned third place.

In the CLYC section Aurora (Michael O’Hare) took first place and the Claire McCann trophy thanks to an afternoon of spirited sailing. Synergy (Chris Cassidy) snatched second place from MaxiMeyes (Mick McCann) who took third prize just ahead of a determined challenge from Thetis (Don Campbell) who deservedly received the fourth prize.

On Sunday the 26th in perfect sailing conditions fleets from Carlingford and Killowen went head to head as teams in two races competing for the Friendship Trophy. In an afternoon of highly competitive racing with only seconds separating competing yachts, it came down to the fastest from each fleet fighting it out for the trophy. In a closely contested second race Humdinger and Coogie representing Carlingford pipped Synergy and MaxiMeyes for Killowen at the post to retain the Friendship Trophy.

All in all everyone agreed that Carlingford Lough Yacht Club’s Cruiser Regatta weekend was a great success. Ties between the three sailing clubs on Carlingford Lough are even tighter than ever. With the growing international interest in our racing series it was agreed that every opportunity for co-operation would be taken advantage of.

Michael O'Hare who was skipper of the first Club boat collects the Claire McCann Trophy