Former Champion Lifts Mermaid Trophy

4th June 2012

#MERMAID – Last weekend the weather did not dampen the spirits of the participants who took part in Munster Mermaid Championship's at Foynes Yacht Club to coincide with the Foynes Irish Coffee writes Gerry Ryan.

Thirteen boats travelled from the east coast from club's as Skerries, Rush and the National Yacht Club, where they enjoyed some good racing on the Shannon Estuary.

On Saturday two races took place east of Foynes Island in wet conditions, where a force 3 north-easterly breeze pertained for both races. Officer of the Day, Alan McEneff ensured that the 20 boats participating raced the Olympic triangular course for the event.

Race one was very keenly contested with national winner, Sam Shiels sailing Azeezy from Skerries ensuring some good racing skills in beating Vincent McCormack in Three Chevrons. Race two it was much the same picture with Shiels taking line honours and Jill with Paul Smith and Pat Mangan.

On Sunday the rain eased somewhat to give a force 3 breeze with a slight wind shift during racing, and a strong tide to contend with. The winner of this race was Frankie Browne sailing Cara II, but Sam Shiels received the Munster Mermaid Cup on Sunday.

Overall, the home boats did well, with Vincent McCormack on Three Chevrons finishing third on race one, and Darragh McCormack came middle of the fleet in 9th position on Argo.

Vincent McCormack on Three Chevron's won the Best Foynes boat, while James McCormack won the Silver fleet trophy, which was specially commissioned for the golden jubilee year.

At the presentation of prizes on Sunday, Alan McEneff stressed that the next major event will be the West Coast Cruiser Championships in July, and asked that all the Mermaid sailors would assist in the championship's.

Mermaid Class Captain, Darragh McCormack said: 'It was the most spectacular, and skilful racing for the Munster championship's to date, which is getting new entries as it progresses every year.

This coming weekend the first leg of the Estuary Bell will take place hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club in Kilrush. Two races are scheduled to take place on Saturday and one on Sunday. We wish the Foynes flotilla the very best in Kilrush this weekend. Notice of race etc., is on the club website.

Published in Shannon Estuary

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Shannon Foynes Port Information

Shannon Foynes Port (SFPC) are investing in an unprecedented expansion at its general cargo terminal, Foynes, adding over two-thirds the size of its existing area. In the latest phase of a €64 million investment programme, SFPC is investing over €20 million in enabling works alone to convert 83 acres on the east side of the existing port into a landbank for marine-related industry, port-centric logistics and associated infrastructure. The project, which will be developed on a phased basis over the next five years, will require the biggest infrastructure works programme ever undertaken at the port, with the entire 83 acre landbank having to be raised by 4.4 metres. The programme will also require the provision of new internal roads and multiple bridge access as well as roundabout access.