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 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 as seen 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.
It looked as if Blondie was going to do it in Race 9 but had a small hiccup with the spinnaker hoist at the first windward mark giving her a second place finish to Marinerscove and in Race 10 didn’t get a good start.
Blondie got hemmed in by a smaller boat at the line and the lower rated Marinerscove beat her to the finish over the water in this race. 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.
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.
Pictures on Bateman Gallery will follow tomorrow.
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