One hundred and fifty four Optimists congregated at Galway Bay Sailing Club (GBSC) for the largest Dinghy Regatta ever hosted from the Club, which is celebrating its fortieth Anniversary this year.
Being a small club of limited resources, the strain was felt at times, but this was bolstered by the many visiting parents who gave of their time and their Ribs to ensure that the regatta went off well. The conditions were challenging for race management and competitors.
Day one started off with a light west south west breeze oscillating about 10 degrees either side. This breeze died as the day wore on but not before both fleets had enjoyed three full races. With tides approaching springs this impacted on the starting line with many being late on the first start until the the tide had turned. There was one general recall for the day, but Flag India resolved that.
Sunday started with a light north west by west breeze oscillating by up to 15 degrees either side. The first race had to be abandoned before the fleet reached the windward mark as it went totally calm. Twenty minutes later a nice breeze filled in from seaward and the wind increased all day to near gale gusts, by which time both fleets had enjoyed two races each and at that stage both Race Officers had no choice but to abandon racing for the day.
Main Results (detailed results here)
Regatta Fleet – 1 Harry Craig, RStGYC, 2 Cian Walsh, GBSC, 3 Denis Looby, LDYC, 4 David Carberry, GBSC, 5 Robert Blake, LDYC. Junior Division Gold – 1 Robert Dickson, LRYC, 2 Sophie Browne, RCYC/TBSC, 3 Daire Cournane, RCYC/KYC, 4 Louise Magowan, TBSC/CHSC, 5 Adam Hyland, RStGYC. Senior Division Gold – 1 Seafra Guilfoyle, RCYC, 2 Tara Flood, HYC, 3 Patrick Crosbie, RCYC, 4 Colm O'Regan, TCYC, 5 John Durcan, RCYC
