#flyingfifteen – Sixteen Flying Fifteens came out for what turned out to be a dramatic and exhilarating mornings sailing as the frostbite series continued on Sunday in perfect sailing conditions, sunshine and 18-25 knots of breeze from the west. Dave Gorman sailing with Dave Cahill in this series leads the way after four races from Niall Coleman & Mick Quinn in second and Niall & Nicki Meagher in third.
Race 1 start was frantic but everyone got away at first time of asking, the fleet split going up the beat, Doorly/Green had a bad start and soon tacked away looking for clear air, they took advantage of some shifts to get to second at the weather mark. Left had paid as Sherry/Fenlon led at the weather mark comfortably.
Downwind the boats took off, Fifteens at their best, by the gate the gap had closed and by the next weather mark Doorly/Green were leading, a lead they held to the finish. Gorman, who also started poorly, had worked his way up the fleet and just managed to pip Sherry on the line to get second.
Race two got going shortly after, again left seemed to be favoured and Gorman led at the weather mark followed by Colman. Just before the mark Doorly/Green were hit by a port boat, after some running repairs they rejoined the race but were at the back, on the final run they were very wobbly, next thing they capsized to windward and the boat went right over turtle! It appears the side tank that was hit had water coming in and this affected the balance, on sorting themselves out it was into the bar but the series was now over for the holders. Meanwhile Gorman stayed ahead to take the gun from the Meagher's in second place, Colman/Quinn third and Sherry fourth.
There were other broaches in race two and with a third race on many had had enough and headed home leaving only 7 to start the last race. Gorman led all the way, guest helm Johnny O'Rourke sailing with Joe Hickey was second with the Meagher's third. The fleet were glad to head back to the club. The PRO Ian Mathews is back on track with his schedule of races and next Sunday the series continues with two races scheduled.
