#wiora – WIORA had to share inner the Bay with Galway Bay Swim Event from Aughnish to Salthill where some 60 participants took part. The bowman Martin Oliver off NowWhat was one of those. OD Alan crosbie set his windward mark East of Tawin Shoals navigation mark.
The waters were nice and flat for swimming but a struggle for sailing winds. However, the course was set with what you got - 8 to 12 Knots.
Winners were well spread across the fleet including an inland entry from Garrykennedy Sailing Club, Lough Derg, Mayo Sailing Club, Tralee Sailing Club, Foynes Yacht Club as well as host club Galway Bay. Galway Harbour base made a vast difference to the fleet asd all boats were able to crew to sea with a simple and safe step on board from the new marina. Captain Brian Sheridan, Harbour Master went to great lengths to facilitate longer opening times of the tidal gates to the harbour. Class 2 saw Caroline and Liam push the Corby 25 'Tribal' to four bullets for a series total of 10 points and the silverware.
Most compeditive Class was Class 1 which had 2 winners on Series total points of 8.25. Joie de Vie and NowWhat raced all 7 races (1 discard) to earn equal points on final day Saturday.
Committtee and Race officials had to meet to sort out a final winner and with a count-back system, the Series Silverware went to Joie de Vie (J109). Silvie Blazkova and Glen Cahill were estatic with the win and broke out the Champagne there and then at the top table.
Division 1 IRC
1 Joie De Vie, Silvie Blazkova/Cahill G, (Galway Bay Sailing Club)
2 NowWhat, Barry Heskin (Galway Bay Sailing Club)
3 Xena , Ian Gaughan, (Mayo Sailing Club)
Division 2 IRC
1 Tribal, Liam Burke, (Galway Bay Sailing Club)
2 Dis-a-Ray, Raymond McGibney, (Foynes YC)
3 Treyona, Finbar O'Connell (Tralee Bay SC)
Division 3 IRC
1 Jaguar, Gary Fort, (Tralee Bay SC)
2 Battle, JP Buckley, (FoynesYC)
3 Running Tide, Michael Mulloy (MayoSC)
White Sails
1 Jabiru, Pat O'Shea, Jim Lawlor (Royal Western YC)
2 Poitin, Bev Lowes ( Foynes YC)
3 Zephyr, Kieran Ruane, (GarrykennedySC)