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PRO Harry Gallagher - assisted by Scorie Walls
Saturday's forecast was for strong winds and heavy rain. Thankfully the wind did not materialise, until the end of the last race and the rain, while it down poured for the first 30 minutes of the Regatta, it then stopped and good racing was had by all competitors.
Despite the weather forecast, entries were up on last year with 60 boats racing and 72 sailors on the water. Clubs represented were Malahide, Skerries, Sutton and Royal Irish Yacht Club as well as numerous sailors from Howth.
The first race got under way in a Southerly 10kt wind. It was similar conditions for the second race - which was shortened for the Laser Radial & 420 classes to enable a quicker turnaround for the final race.
There was slightly stronger winds of 10 to 14 kts for the third (final) race. However, just after the finish of the Optimists the wind picked up with gusts of up to 21kts, in which the Laser & 420 classes coped well with the conditions.
The Junior Optimist fleet, of 13 boats, got 2 races in and were assisted by Hannah Herlihy, HYC's senior sailing instructor. Conditions were difficult for these sailors, but they managed superbly well.
Further out at sea, visibility was difficult due to heavy rain and a lead boat was used early in the first race. Once the rain stopped the conditions improved and all competitors enjoyed excellent sailing.
Later in the afternoon, the Lynx Cubs arrived to enjoy a fun filled afternoon on land and sea. They took part in a treasure hunt and got a sail around the harbour in a Pico. They then joined all the other competitors for burgers and the prize giving.
Howth was well represented in the prizes with Fergus Flood taking line honours in the Main Optimist Fleet and Aisling Cassidy and Lily Jennings taking 2nd and 3rd in the Junior Optimist Fleet. Alex and Nicky Delamer won in their FEVA and Cillian McGreer won the Laser 4.7.
The event attracted a great variety of boats and sailors of all ages and ability. A huge thank you to Inpute Technologies who sponsored the event and all the parents who assisted throughout the day. All agreed it was a great day's sailing at Howth Yacht Club.
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