Search


2009 Howth Seventeen Footer Championships - 7th & 8th August
Author: Brian Turvey Posted on: 9/8/09 Print Version



(L-R) Event sponsor Pat Kelly of eXpert Revenue Systems congratulating
Neil O'Leary, Ian Byrne, Jane and Michael Duffy from the winning boat Hera
 
Following a race sailed in a rare light breeze on Friday night, the 2009 Howth Seventeen's Championships was concluded on the afternoon of the 8th of August in an ever freshening wind.

The fiercely contested top prize went to Michael and Jane Duffy's Hera - recording two more wins after their Friday evening's victory. The four windward/ leeward races set by race officer David Lovegrove were close-fought affairs and even though Ian Malcolm's Aura finished the day with a win in the last race, he had to settle for second place ending the Championship just two points behind the eventual winner.

Handicap honours went to Sheila helmed by Derek Bothwell, who's fifth place on scratch earned massive respect from the older boats and crews in the class - proving boat and crew are no 'slouches!'

John Curley and Marcus Lynch's Rita suffered some damage when her bowsprit and stemhead were smashed following a collision in the third race of the afternoon. There were no injuries and the owners are determined to craft and fit the new parts and to be ready to sail next Saturday!

Pat Kelly presenting the Handicap Trophy to Derek
Bothwell following Sheila's impressive performance


Hera contemplates a tack into Howth Sound following her Championship victory