 Racing to the windward mark |
| HYC’s Dinghy Parents� race took place on Saturday Sept 26th as part of the end of season festivities. An early evening high tide provided an ideal opportunity to race within the vicinity of the marina, much to the delight and entertainment of the large group of onlookers and supporters. |
| With representatives from cruiser’s 1,2,3,4,5, etchells, squibs and puppeteers, the two race series provided a stern test of light weather sailing for the fleet of over 10 competitors. As the ISA sail fleet were in Cork for this year’s All Ireland Helmsman Championship, our own mini parent championship was sailed in Optimists. Under the watchful eye of the race officer Gillian Guinness, the first race got away without too much difficulty and race 1 proved to be a one horse race with Class 3’s Fergus O’Kelly taking line honours. He dazzled fellow competitors not only with his boat speed, but also with his fashion sense, sporting a luminous yellow and pink buoyancy aid and matching wet suite. |
 Fergus O'Kelly - Race Winner |
| By the commencement of race 2, most competitors had enough experience of the Optimist to ensure an aggressive start resulting in a general recall. Following the threat of a ‘black flag start�, the second race got underway, with a number of incidents of holding and barging. |
 Brian Jennings |
 Markey Family help Alan |
| With no on the water judges available, there were enough incidents to have kept a protest committee busy for the evening and early morning. The second race proved to be more competitive with Fergus O’Kelly edging out Eleanor Cahill on the line to claim two from two. Other note worthy performances included Alan Markey’s unsuccessful attempts to stay dry, Andy Mollard’s style and dexterity in capsizing and righting his Optimist and Stephen Harris ‘dressed overall� Optimist. |
 Charles 'Biggles' Blandford |
 Stephen Harris demostrates his hiking skills |
 Race 2 start |
 Andy Mollard (1185) |
| Thank you to all those parents who participated and risked their dignity and to those who helped with rescue and race management. From this parent’s perspective it was a pleasure to say to my son on my return to the slipway, "I am wet, I need a shower and will you please derig my boat for me". Chris |