Wind Blows for Regatta at CLYC

Last weekend the annual regatta was held at CLYC and despite the moderate wind forecast, a quick look at the lough told a different picture. Big waves and gusts to 25 knots caused a lot of hesitation among the sailors. But Race Officer Chris O'Hare was not deterred, after all he had a nice cruiser to work from! 20 boats in total, equally divided between A and B fleet launched. Very few boats failed to go through the rinse cycle at least once and there were many muddy mast tips in evidence when the first three races were over. A protest committee saw Conor O'Farrell relegated from 1st to second place overnight with Gary Fekkes from EABC in the lead. In the B Fleet Conor Quinn and Anna McNulty were tying for first place overnight. A great Macadorey BBQ was welcomed by all the tired sailors.

Sunday morning brought yet more more wind and much top-of-the-slip lough gazing. O'Hare however was not deterred and another three races were knocked out in quick succession. Fekkes retained his lead over O'Farrell who might have won bar an unfortunate windward mark capsize, Henry and Liz McLaughlin settling for third place. The B Fleet went to Conor Quinn by less than a whisker, on equal points to McNulty he won on countback. Emily Hill of CAYC took third, the Veterans Prize went to Ian Roche and the Ladies Prize to Lucy Grainger of NYC.