#mirror – A Mirror dinghy Bronze and Silver (B&S) Fleet event is a development of the innovative Bronze Fleet event introduced a few years ago to make it easier for new sailors to get involved in Mirror Sailing at national level.
The intention is that the inexperienced sailors would have the racing course to themselves without pressure. This year we have extended it to the silver fleet, but we plan that they will sail in separate flights a few minutes apart. We may also allow the racing marks to be hit, partly due to the fact that tides in Sligo Bay are strong and young sailors may have some problems with roundings. Eight short races are planned with two discards if all goes well. It is permissible for a gold fleet helm to crew for a bronze and silver fleet sailor.
The O'Dowd trophy will be competed for the following day with all boats (including the gold fleet) sailing together. This will involve six more challenging races with one discard. Although this is not a ranking event the beautiful trophy presented by the O'Dowd family is hotly contested for and would enhance any family sideboard for a period.
The two events are an ideal way of introducing new boats to the fleet and also a way of preparing sailors for the forthcoming Worlds. Sligo Yacht Club have tried to keep costs as low as possible with an entry fee of €20 for each and €30 for both. Members will also try to provide overnight accommodation to visitors and there is limited camping around the Clubhouse.
The club also has a number of Mirrors which may be made available for hire at a modest cost for the events. There will be a barbeque at the clubhouse Saturday evening, again at nominal cost.
NOR available to download below
