Having settled in now with a few Thursday nights under their belts, the new Melges 15 fleet decided to mix it up a little on Sunday.

The plan was to start at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, but with light winds forecasted it was decided to postpone to the afternoon.

And the conditions didn't disappoint!

With a 16-knot southeasterly breeze and glorious sunshine, the Melges 15 fleet enjoyed some high-speed sailing in Howth sound. Richard Kissane kindly agreed to be officer of the day and ran two windward-leeward races from the East Pier at 2:30 p.m., with the assistance of one of the HYC ribs. 

The course ran to Balscadden as a windward mark, followed by a run to Spit and beat back to the starters hut to finish; a strong ebb tide against wind resulted in some interesting waves and really added the fun element of surfing downwind. Race win went to Michael Evans and wife Michele Caraher, closely followed by Stephen and Fergal Quinn.

The second race was shorter – beat up to Balscadden mark– screaming reach down to the South Rowan and back up to the finish, with Michele and Michael taking line honours.

Big shout out to Jonathan Wormald who took some great pics.

The next Sunday race is planned for 30 June 10:30 a.m. start – everyone is welcome from all classes to come race with us under PY. The racing is easy to get to just outside the harbour, and provides a slightly different dimension to the normal windward-leeward format as well as being a spectacle for the pier walkers!

Report by: Mike Evans

Photo Credits: Jonathan Wormald