There was a great turnout for the annual HYC Dinghy Regatta with 35 Optimists competing in the main fleet and a further 28 competing in the regatta fleet. There were 12 boats competing in other classes under the Portsmouth Yardstick including Lasers, 420s, Mirrors, Toppers and Topaz.
The main fleet race course was just west of Ireland’s Eye with higher than forecast winds of 15 to 22 knots for much of the racing and gusts of 25 knots at the start of the third race. The Oppy fleet coped excellently with the conditions and the racing was great practice for those taking part in the Leinster Championships in HYC next weekend.
The other classes of boats enjoyed some exciting planing and it was a credit to the sailors that there were only a few capsizes.
Due to the lively conditions, the Regatta fleet sailed inside the harbour where three races were completed. An unorthodox but interesting course was laid with a number of obstacles restricting course configuration. The young regatta fleet sailors impressed with their ability to sail in the blustery conditions.
|
