It would not have been a problem if the 80-metre Irish Lights Vessel Granuaile moored in Scotsman's Bay was the only obstacle for the Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) fleet to overcome tonight. It was obvious though – as soon as the first guns sounded – there were bigger issues for course setters as the evening's timid easterly breeze started to die.
As the flags drooped on DBSC's Spirit of the Irish committee boat shorter courses were set for the 17 classes – and 200 or more competing boats – but to no avail, the fickle light wind was not going to hold out.
As the Dragon and SB3 classes started their race it was apparent that even the fetch from the back of the East pier to East mark was going to be a big ask with such adverse tide.
After all but one of the white sail fleet failed to cross the start line the Race officer was forced to rule them out of time.
Even though it looked like there was breeze out beyond the Burford bank there was nothing in the inner bay area; crews sat to leeward, spinnakers collapsed and the first race of the 128th DBSC sailing season was abandoned.
