The Key Capital Private Spring Warmers got off on its third attempt on Sunday 28th April. The previous days racing had to be cancelled due to storm Hannah. The conditions on Sunday were perfect after a short postponement a shifty southerly filled in of 5-10 knots.  

 

The race committee got off three very good windward leeward races of two laps each. The racing was close and very competitive for class 1 and 2, class 3 and the squib class.

 

In a combined class 1 & 2, which was an example of the club racing to come in HYC this season, the prizes were shared between Half tonners and J109s. Two of the most successful boat designs in IRC racing in Ireland in recent years. The big guns were out with four time Irish Olympian Mark Mansfield helming new HYC J109 Outrageous, owned by John Murphy and Richard Colwell. Half Ton World Champion Dave Cullen was also out helming Nigel Biggs owned Checkmate XVIII. Checkmate XVIII took the overall class win with Outrageous a close second, winning the last race of the day. Michael and Richard Evans Half Tonner The Big Picture came in third. 

 

In class three the racing was very close between Animal a very nicely upgraded Formula 28 and a visiting Quarter Tonner Panic from Lough Swilly. Animal from HYC took the honours in the class from Panic with races going down to wire and very close on the water manoeuvring. X-302 Viking came in third in the class.

 

The Squib class is having somewhat of a revival in HYC in recent years with the class fielding a strong contingent of six boats. It was a family affair at the top with Simon Sheahan coming first with a very impressive scoreline of 1,2,1. Beating Dave Sheahan into second place with a consistent 2,1,3. Crackertoo came third.

 

Many thanks to race officer Derek Bothwell and his team for getting off three great races in what was difficult conditions at the start of the day. 

 

(Photo credit: Tom Ryan @ StormyPhotos.ie)

 

Huge thanks must go to Key Capital Private for their continued sponsorship of this great season opening event.