Brass Monkeys Spring Series: Wind, Waves, and Winning Moments!
On Sunday we concluded our Brass Monkeys Spring series with our prize-giving lunch, which was very well attended with a majority of boat crews and their guests attending. We welcomed the Commodore Kevin Monks who spoke kindly and presented the event prizes. We were especially delighted to welcome Jenny and John Aungier who have sponsored the Brass Monkey Restaurant prizes for many years, and who presented their prizes today. Unfortunately, our other sponsor, Dave Cullen from Euro Car Parks, was in the New World with Deirdre celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, and we wish them well.
The results were:
Fleet 1 in First place, Flexit following a count back from second placed Out and About with Windshift in Third.
Fleet 2 Helms Deep got first and also won the Peter Huntley Memorial Trophy, followed by Battling J in second with Mistoffelees in Third.
The Brass Monkeys prizes were:
Fleet 1 First Arcturus and Mary Ellen in second.
Fleet 2 First Shenanigans and Timbaloo in second.
This was one of our more difficult series with Race 1 losing out to Storm Eowyn with Race 2 having very fickle winds (no use for handycap adjusting). Race 3 was no less challenging with very difficult Northeasterly seas, deeming it unsafe for working Ribs. Now we were begining to get a little concerned with 3 races and only 1 result. Luckily, Race 4 had very good conditions and our 2 race system worked. Race 5 we held off cancelling, but to no avail, another chance gone. For Race 6 the forecast again was looking very light with boats on station flat calm, with half an hour to start and a little wind came up, (all thank God for wind coming in earlier than forecast) we ended with good racing and 2 races achieved.
Our thanks to all those who make the series possible race officers Derek, Mike, Rupert, Scorie, Pat Mac, Eoin, Paddy and Donal, the young Rib crews who wet and cold performed with excellence, also Kieran Barker in the results office who puts up with numerous changes in the first two races showing great patience. Thanks also to the restaurant staff who produced and presented our traditional Bacon and Cabbage under the eye of Marius also our bar staff with George, Kevin, Jamie, Ana, and Frank looking after us. We are sorry to hear that we are losing Ana and we all wish her safe and well when she returns home.
So now we can all have a rest until November, see you then.
---Report by Pat Connolly