There were highs and lows for the large contingent of 35 HYC boats entered in the  Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta last weekend, however we can be guaranteed that everyone enjoyed both the on water activities as well as those back in the 4 host clubs.  

Racing started on Thursday with what we would call a typically “Dublin Bay” style of racing with both offshore and onshore winds fighting each other.  Most fleets managed one race to get the regatta started and it was the Friday, when we were promised more wind that many of the boats were looking forward to.  Outrageous, Colwell and Murphy, were holding the lead amongst a very competitive Class 1, after Friday, with Storm also in close contention, however seasoned Dun Laoghaire crews on White Mischief and Joker II were close beside them.  Class 2 was dominated by the half tonners, all representing Howth Yacht Club, with the Wrights Mata, starting strong, however the two Checkmates not far behind.  By Saturday, it was clear that Nigel Biggs’ Checkmate could not be beaten and Johnny Swan must have decided to party all night as on Sunday came out like a bullet and won the first race by over 2 minutes to the next boat.  

Class 2B was predominately an X302 and Corby 25 affair and indeed apart from one Malahide boat, all from Howth. 

In the White Sails division, Colm Birmingham with Bite the Bullet was unstoppable and over the 8 races sailed discarded a 2nd to have a clean sweep of 1sts.  

Stephen Mullaney with Insider competed in the Sigma 33 class which had a number of very competitive Scottish boats take the first 3 places, however Insider excelled amongst the Irish competitors to come away as the Class national champions, much to everyone’s delight. 

 

The Howth 17s raced across on Friday and took precedence in the National Yacht Club and after some close racing over the three days, Ian Malcolm’s ‘Aura’ pipped the Turvey’s ‘Isobel’ to the post and won the prize. 

 

There was a great representation across all classes from HYC as well as across the race management teams, with at least 3 of the 5 courses managed by the howth race management teams.  Time for a well earned rest for a couple of days at least. 

 

Next up in Howth, will be the Fireball Nationals this weekend, when it will all start again for our race management team.  Well done to everyone for getting involved.