Cove Sailing Clubs Cobh to Blackrock Race was a huge success with the 45–boat fleet enjoying a fast and breezy race to Cork. While the forecast and conditions of 20 to 25 knots might have deterred some competitors form taking part, those that ventured out enjoyed a great sail with plenty of excitement along the way.
The standard white sail class started at 14:00 followed by the main fleet at 14:30. The Cobh start line with a large visiting liner made for a spectacular start with the 40 boats lined up in front of Cobh for the Safetrx sponsored race.
The fleet was joined by the KYC fleet following on from the Mary P race that left from Kinsale on with a very fast sail up Saturday morning, the fleet taking a nice break in the Quays bar Cobh before getting ready for the sprint to Cork.
The short sprint to Monkstown saw Denis Murphy's Nieulargo powering up past Whitepoint and revelling in the breezy conditions with Altair (Dorgan and Losty) and Jelly Baby (Brian Jones) close behind.
Boats then quickly hoisted kites for the run down to Marino Point which made for a spectacular sight as the fleet passed up the narrow river. Altair managed to get ahead of Nieulargo and Jelly Baby to lead into Lough Mahon closely followed by Conor Doyle's Freya which powered by and stretched her legs up through Lough Mahon quickly reaching Blackrock castle.
Altair held off Nieulargo to cross the line in 2nd place with Jelly Baby close behind in third. The corrected times results in Class 1 for both IRC and Echo were the same with Altair (Dorgan and Losty) first, Nieulargo 2nd and Jelly Baby 3rd.
Class 2 saw George Radley's half tonner Cortegada flying home to take victory in both IRC and Echo with Cavatina, Ian Hickey and Artful Dodger Finbarr O'Regan finishing tied 2nd on IRC.
Class 3 saw Leonard Donnery No Gnomes retain the trophy again this year.
For the overall Moonduster Trophy George Radleys Cortegada was the winner taking a well-earned victory to lift the beautiful Mooonduster replica trophy.
The newly presented Safetrx trophy for the fastest boat from Cobh to Blackrock was won by Conor Doyles beautiful new XP50 with an Elapsed time of just 43 minutes.
White sail which had a very large entry saw John and Fiona Murphys Esme take first in IRC from Derry Goods Exhale with Batt O'Learys Sweet Dreams third. In Echo, Esme was again first with Sweet Dreams second and Exhale third.
White sail Standard class saw Rory Allen's Mystic take the win from Ian Scandrett's Kernow in 2nd with Donal O'Driscoll's Re Orga in third place.
The Prize Giving took place in the Sextant bar where the huge crowd enjoyed a great barbeque with some well-earned refreshments. Prizes were presented by John Wallace from Union Chandlery and also Paul Ryan from Safetrx.
Many of the fleet stayed overnight at the Port of Cork pontoon before the return trips to Crosshaven, Kinsale and East Ferry yesterday.
Bob Bateman photographed a breezy edition of Cove Sailing Club's Saturday's Cobh to Blackrock race in Cork Harbour.
View his photo gallery below
Kieran Dorgan's Atari (winner class 1) and Miss Whiplash (Ronan and John Downing)
Frank Doyle sailing the J122 "Cara"
Denis Murphy's Nieulargo on starboard with Atari on port
Above and below Brian Jones in the J109 Jellybaby
Overall winner – George Radley's Cortegada
Freya Conor Doyle ahead of Carroll Bros Chancer
Freya leads Frank Doyle sailing Cara
John and Fiona Murphy in the Elan 295 "Esme"
Anthony Mulcahy's Nicholson passes the finish line
