The final two races of the O’Flynn Exhams Solicitors Autumn Regatta took place in a warm16 knot south westerly breeze. What a success this event has proven to be. Race schedules were adhered to each day, conditions were varied providing superb over racing over the month of October ranging from light winds the first day to strong winds on the penultimate day but there was no doubt that the best wine was kept for the last day.
The racing was great, the X- boats were together at the finish, the J109s were at it hammer and tongs coming into the last beat, and the glamorous Commodores Cup contendors fought tooth and nail to the bitter end.
Blondie 1V came into racing today leading Marinerscove and Tiamat and it looked as if she was going to do it in Race 9 but had a hiccup when her spinnaker split at the second windward mark giving her a second place finish to Marinerscove and in Race 10 didn’t get a good start. She got hemmed in by Justus at the line and the lower rated Marinerscove beat her to the finish over the water in this race.
In fact Marinerscove took two first places on the day, but, nevertheless it proved to be Blondie’s regatta by a half point. It should be said here that Kieran Twomey’s Gloves Off was sailing very well and looked dangerous.
Richard Leonard having brought the Zero One and Two fleets into the harbour today certainly provided a colourful sight for spectators but it was the Class Two boats in particular with their colourful spinnakers and sailing against the backdrop of Cobh and Spike Island that presented a great sight for the eye to behold.
Class Two IRC in particular presented a momentous occasion for Ted Crosbie in No Excuse when he took the class overall, his first time winning an October League in 69 years of sailing and received a well deserved standing ovation at the prize giving dinner
David O’Brien had Classes Three, Four and Whitesail sailing in the outer harbour. Your scribe didn’t see too much of this racing but they had a good wind which they needed to counter the Spring tides and they had a long rolling sea but not an unpleasant one.
The final word that sums up the new format event must go to Shane Statham from Waterford Harbour Sailing Club who said it was a great series, they had great fun and he hoped all the other competitors had fun too! What more can be said
Bateman Gallery here
Results here
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