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RS Feva Worlds 2011 - Bruinesse, Netherlands July 22 - 29
Author: Joan Harris Posted on: 1/8/11 Print Version

 
 
David Johnston and Louise Flynn-Byrne (H.Y.C) secured two 8th places on the final day of racing in the RS Feva Worlds to give them an overall fourth place in the Silver Fleet of the Feva World Championships in Bruinesse, Netherlands.
 

David Johnston & Louise Flynn-Byrne on the Podium
 
With varying weather conditions ranging from 26 kts to no wind and a lost day's racing on Wednesday, the event held something for everyone. Three boats travelled from Howth with an additional seven boats travelling from Dunlaoghaire to make up a very vibrant Irish contingent.

As news spread through the sailors of the atrocity in Norway on the morning of the practice race, heartfelt condolences were sent to the Norwegian Team, who had a large representation at the event. A minutes silence was held at the opening ceremony as a mark of respect and the Norwegian flag was hoisted first in the flag raising ceremony.

The first day of qualifying races were held in very windy and cold conditions. Unfortunately, the boom on Claude Mollard's & Jennie Harris's Feva broke on the final beat on the first race whilst lying in 13th place and they were forced ashore. It was not to be their event. Completing all five qualifying races, Nicky Delamer and Conor Howard battled well in the qualifying series to join David & Louise in the silver fleet.

The wind lightened considerably over the next few days, three races were held on Monday, and David and Louise moved into 6th place in the silver fleet.

Racing was postponed on Wednesday and the sailors kept ashore, with the race officers hoping the wind would fill in later in the day. The sailors were entertained by D.J. Henk and an aerobics class in the big marquee. By 15.00hrs there was no sign of wind and racing was abandoned.

The sun came out for the final day of racing on Thursday and the wind remained light and shifty. With many general recalls across the fleets, an abandoned second race due to a large wind-shift, the Race Officer managed get three races away for the Gold Fleet and two for the Silver and Bronze.

Two 8th places in these races moved David & Louise up to 4th place. Conor Totterdell and Stephen Craig (R.St.G.Y.C) had a great final day with a 3rd and 6th place. Connor and Dan O'Beirne (R.St.G.Y.C.) also had a great last day with an 11th and 7th in the Gold Fleet which moved them up to 29th overall .

The event was a fantastic experience for all, both on and off the water. Many new friends were made both from Ireland and across many nations. Hoodies, T-shirts, email and Facebook addresses exchanged and promises to meet up at the next event.

Many thanks to all the parents both Howth and Dun Laoghaire who contributed so much to making the event a great success and also to our coach Gillian Guinness.
 
Howth Yacht Club Team

(Back row) Claude Mollard, Jennie Harris, Conor Howard, Nicky Delamer
(Front row) Louise Flynn-Byrne, David Johnston
RS Feva Worlds Website >>


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