The final race in the Anglo Irish Bank sponsored Autumn League started in idyllic sailing conditions for the 184 competitors with many fleets top honours to be decided. The Principal Race Officers got all fleets underway and a good long race gave ample opportunity for the runners and riders to decide their destiny.
Our sponsors had the opportunity to experience first hand the true pleasures of both sailing and racing in the Autumn League as they were aboard the 60 footer Rebellion (Maurice Harte/John Hughes/Sean OMahony) in the Non Spinny Class. With a glass of white wine in one hand, and a smoked salmon sandwich in the other, they toasted the fleet as they glided past effortlessly.
Gerry O'Neill chose another great band to provide the après sail entertainment on the terraces as all sailors enjoyed a perfect end to what was a first class series.
Aquelina
It was however a special day for the Tyrrell family from Arklow Sailing Club who are steeped in the history of Boat Building and Sailing in Ireland for generations. Shiela & James Tyrrell not alone sailed Aquelina, their J109 to victory in Class 1 (by 6 pts), but secured the Top Boat Award for the entire series and won the Heineken Trophy.
A special thanks to ....
A special thanks must go the following who in their own way played a major part in the Overall success of this year's Anglo Irish Bank sponsored Autumn League.
Anglo Irish Bank as Sponsors.
Our thanks to Brian Linehan, Director of Anglo Irish Bank UK for traveling especially for
the prize giving.
Event organizing Committee including Michael Guinan and Emmet Dalton
Principal Race Officers, Derek Bothwell & Neil Inglis and their respective personnel.
Bernard Freyne for the use of Empress III.
Rescue boat personnel.
HYC Bar & Catering staff.
Protest Committee led by Paul Murphy & Ed Alcock - International Jury & Niall Colfer - National Judge.
Race Results Office & Finishing Hut Time keepers.
Web-Master and photographer extraordinaire John Deane and Barry O'Loughlin.
The Marina staff and all staff at HYC.
And last but not least, Rupert Jeffares, our General Manager who kept the show on the road.
Finally, to all the competitors whose annual pilgrimage to HYC makes this event rank the largest Autumn League in Europe.
Yours in Sailing
Andy Sargent
In the Results section click Show Open Events
and select Autumn League, then Class and Date.
Click above, then in Gallery click "Autumn League" under "2005".
Many thanks to Andy Sargent for his excellent reports during the event.
Also, thanks to Barry O'Loughlin who took photos on the water with me during the event.
Unfortunately, many of the days were rather overcast and these pics are a bit dark, however
they should print ok.
Report 18th September
