RCYC was very well represented with sailors in seven of the competing 11 boats hailing from the club. With excellent sailing on display, competition was tight and everything hung on the last race and a countback to decide on the winner.
“I always love welcoming sailors from other clubs to RCYC”, says Alana Twomey, “especially to an event like this where the effort everyone puts in on and off the water makes for a brilliant weekend.” The 29er Southern Championships, which took place on 6th and 7th May with sailors hailing from six clubs, was lucky to have generous sponsorship from Eric Waterman of Waterman Kelly Consulting Engineers.
Race Photos Courtesy of Bob Bateman
“It was a nail-biting finish,” remarks Chris Bateman, “and I am delighted that Alana and I finished in first place. I hope we did our club – and the class – proud.”
First & Second place were only separated on countback with RCYC sailor Ben O’Shaughnessy & Ethan Spain(NYC) claiming 2nd place followed by Rían Collins & James Dwyer both of RCYC taking 3rd.
Overall Race Results
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The first female crew were Emily and Jessica Riordan of Dun Laoghaire’s Royal St George Yacht Club, who finished in fourth place overall.
The winning U17 sailors were Dara Jenkins and Ida Giesselmann of RCYC, who only started sailing together in September last year. Ida will return to Germany soon, after finishing Transition Year, with this fantastic accolade celebrating a great campaign with Ireland’s 29er fleet.
After a great day on the water on Saturday, the sailors enjoyed a complimentary meal together in the sunshine, sporting their event t-shirts.
We had superb volunteer support from 17 of our own club members, along with visiting parents from the both the Royal North of Ireland and Ballyhome Yacht Clubs also going afloat to support. In addition, the marina, office and bar teams gave generously of their time in helping set up.
Race Officer John Corkery’s skillset was clearly on show with excellent race management. Four races were sailed each day and sailors were out and back from Roche’s Point in less than five hours with results compiled by Sean Pierse ashore. Furthermore, four of the marina staff took the opportunity to use the event as a practice run in mark laying off of Roche’s for July’s upcoming Topper Worlds, under the guidance of Saki Curtin and Andy Jenkins.
“We’re really pleased with the positive feedback we’ve received from 29er Ireland”, notes Dominic Daly, the club’s 29er Captain. “On the back of this great event, we are very much looking forward to welcoming the 29er fleet back to the Royal Cork later in the season for the 29er Ireland ISA clinics.”
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