#match–race – The much anticipated Irish Match Racing Open has been succesful writes Diana Kissane albeit strong winds on Sunday curtailed the running of a full programme. With 7 domestic teams and 3 UK entries the event attracted some of the top sailors of the British Isles including a host pf sailors competing on the premier mens and womens world tours, former and current national champions. An incredible 36 races were sailed on Saturday between dawn and dusk without a minute being wasted, with the fancied runners establishing a clear lead. With the lead boats all having raced each other, it was possible to obtain a clear result.
Competitors and officials enjoyed a sociable evening at the event dinner in the club last night with the raucous sing song being led by the umpiring team! Those with real stamina ventured onto Findlaters until the small hours. Despite the late night, all crews featured on Sunday morning and given the forecast, it was decided to attempt to run semi finals and finals.
Teams Lees, Vose, Grant and O'Leary went to sea to battle it out but after an hour or so returned with conditions having prevented the run-off.
The final standings were Mark Lees overall winner, Annabel Vose runner-up, third placed Graeme Grant the first Irish boat and Marty O'Leary a close 4th. A fantastic weekend all round!
There are plans in motion for open training sessions and mini reggattas to take place in January.
