#FROSTBITE–Frank Miller and Grattan Donnelly were the winners of the single Fireball dinghy race this afternoon in perfect conditions after last night's gale at the DMYC Frostbite series in Dun Laoghaire harbour. The handicap dinghy PY winners were Colin Galavan and Ciaran Boyle. The Laser winner was Gary O'Hare.

Fireballs at the windward mark in this afternoon's DMYC Frostbite race in Dun Laoghaire Harbour and below Ben Mulligan and two young crew compete in the PY class Photos: Bob Hobby

 

#FIREBALL – The Irish Fireball frostbite season got underway in unseasonable blue skies and sunshine conditions on Sunday 6^th November, when 11 Fireballs in a 40+ fleet got the series underway writes our Fireball Correspondent.  Arriving at Dun Laoghaire harbour, conditions were not conducive to racing, the waters of the harbour and beyond being mirror-like. Race Officer Stuart Kinnear persevered with the idea that a race was possible and was rewarded when enough breeze came through to get a race of two laps of a triangle away.

Hugh Butler crewing for Graeme Grant on their way to winning the Fireball Class in last Sunday's DMYC Frostbite race in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Bob Hobby

As the new Class Chairman, Neil Colin, with crew Margaret Casey, adopted the same style that will be required onshore – leading from the front. They started about midway down the line and found themselves in the middle of the course as a consequence. On the right-hand side Louis Smyth and Cormac Bradley found stronger breeze but weren’t able to quite close on Colin/Casey and were additionally distracted by Louise McKenna and Hermine O’Keefe who had gone right as well and then went back to the middle.

Colin/Casey rounded first followed by McKenna/O’Keefe, Smyth/Bradley and the established combination of Kenneth Rumball & Dave Moran.  The downwind legs were quite genteel but competitive all the same. Smyth/Bradley got through McKenna/O’Keefe despite the close presence of Rumball/Moran.

2^nd beat and Colin/Casey went more middle than left while Smyth/Bradley again hit the right. This closed the gap but not quite enough to see a change of lead. However, it was enough to stay ahead of McKenna/O’Keefe at the weather mark but a split of downwind courses saw the girls get ahead until gybes onto the opposite tacks saw Smyth/Bradley get back into second. This close attention to what was going on behind them left Colin/Casey to extend their lead to the leeward mark and a safe win.

With a DMYC Frostbite mug up for grabs every Sunday of the series, Colin/Casey were able to relax with their hands on the 2011/12 edition.

The Frostbite is a popular series with a single race on a Sunday afternoon meaning that the day isn’t completely taken up. Husband and wife, Frank and Gemma Cassidy made their Frostbite debut, while Alastair Court and Gordon Syme, whom we haven’t seen all season, though their boat was in Sligo, also made their first appearance of the season. Mick Creighton blooded a new crew, while two other crews, Dave Coleman and Grattan Donnelly, teamed up to sail Blind Squirrel, 14713.

Welcome visitors were Luke Malcolm and Shane Diviney from Howth and Peter Armstrong and Matt Mayron, sailing under the burgee of Sligo Yacht Club.

Round 2 saw a complete contrast in the pre-race weather from the previous Sunday. At 11:30 it was blowing 25 knots, by 12:45 the wind was down to a Force 2. The race eventually was sailed in a F3 which moved around a bit but was mostly in the northern sector of the compass card. Graeme Grant and Hugh Butler led the fleet this week around five laps of another triangular course, doing enough to stay ahead of the bunch. They were chased by Noel Butler and Stephen Oram and Louis Smyth, sailing with Joe O’Reilly for Round 2. These two spent the race exchanging places while some of the others to feature at different stages were Alastair Court and Gordon Syme and Mick Creighton & Paul McDermott. The trio of Barry Hurley, Andy Boyle and Brian Flahive has shown the greatest consistency with two 5^th places! These three also count double-handed Fastnet races in their list of activities for the 2011 sailing season.

Thus, with two rounds down the overall standings are as follows;

Overall	Sail No	Race 1	Race 2	Total Pts
1. Louis Smyth/Cormac Bradley/Joe O’Reilly	15007	2	3	5
2. Louise Mc Kenna & Hermine O’Keefe	14691	3	7	10
2. Andy Boyle/Barry Hurley/Brian Flahive	14934	5	5	10
4. Alastair Court & Gordon Syme	14706	7	4	11
5. Luke Malcolm & Shane Diviney	14790	6	6	12

Series 1 of the Frostbites runs through to the Sunday before Christmas (18^th Dec), with series 2 starting Sunday 8^th January 2012.

#DMYC FROSTBITE – Although the strong winds put some doubt about yesterday's in harbour sailing at Dun Laoghaire the second race of the DMYC Frosbites got away on schedule  in spite of the very shifty conditions.

Hugh Butler crewing for Graeme Grant on their way to winning the Fireball Class in yesterday's DMYC Frostbite race in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Bob Hobby

Dublin Bay Sailing Club IDRA 14 Champions Frank Hamilton and Jenny Byrne (DMYC) were the winners of the Portsmouth Yardstick (PY) handicap dinghy fleet. The Royal St. George's Theo Lyttle won the Laser class with the top prize in the high performance Fireball dinghy going to Graeme Grant and Hugh Butler (RStGYC).

Monica Lee sailing upwind in her Supernova dinghy during yesterday's DMYC Frosdtbite race in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Bob Hobby

Conditions for the final day of the ASM-Marine Frostbite League at Kinsale Yacht Club on Sunday could not have been a more inviting finale for the thirty plus sailors competing in the Laser, Squib and Mixed Dinghy Fleets. Despite losing two of the six week series due to the weather, the last day of the season brought welcome sunshine accompanied by a fresh Force 4 North to North-Westerly breeze, gusting Force 5 at times. Three windward-leeward races were completed which brought the total race number to eleven, with two discards applying. The constantly shifting Northerly breeze, which tracked slowly westwards was the predominate feature in all three races, with an ebb tide having effect to the right hand side of the coarse.
Dara O'Shea (KYC) with another gritty performance in the Laser 4.7 fleet, managed this week to overhaul the league leader Cian Byrne (KYC/RCYC). Leaving it to the final race and with both sailors on nineteen points, Dara grasped the top spot as he fought off his rivals and eventually took line honours and the Laser 4.7 League title. Cian untypically finished fourth but nevertheless secured second place overall, just two points behind. Darragh O'Sullivan had an excellent day's racing with a win and two seconds which pulled him into third place overall, just ahead of Conor Murphy (KYC) who finished on the same points total but one place behind in the final race.
Proving once again that consistency is the key to success in the Frostbite League, Eoghan Cudmore (KYC) with a fifth, third and a second in the Radial Fleet managed to hold off the challenge for the top spot from last year's winner Sean Murphy (KYC) who scored two thirds and a fourth. With the second best results of the day, Colm O'Regan (KYC) scoring two seconds and a fourth, moved up to third place overall. Despite an excellent run of results with three wins on the final day Thomas Chaix (KYC) with insufficient points accrued could not make an impact on the final order.
In the Laser Standard Class Rob Howe (RCYC) continued his outstanding form with a further second place and two firsts bringing his overall total to an unassailable eleven points, fourteen points ahead of his nearest rival Paul O'Sullivan of Monkstown. Scoring two thirds and a second, O'Sullivan's consistent form paid off bringing him into second place overall. David Kenefick (RCYC) who had closely pursued the leader throughout the series, dropped to third place overall as he did not compete on the day.
Seldom conceding line honours Marcus Hutchinson and Ben Fusco (KYC) in the Squib Class went into the final day leading comfortably by eight points. Two wins later and a final second easily secured the league title and are now the new holders of the Bruce Mathews Squib Trophy. In a repeat of last year Paul McCarthy (KYC) finished strongly with two seconds and a win in the final race. These results elevated him from fourth place overall into the prize winning second position. Victor Fusco and Ruth Ennis (KYC) with a final third, fourth and seventh subsequently slipped one place to claim the third prize overall.
In the Mixed Dinghy Class, despite conceding line honours in all three races Brian Jones and Gary Frost (MBSC) in their International 505 finished the series as the lead boat four points comfortably ahead. The RS Feva of David Marshall and Rob Scandrett (RCYC) closed on a high note as they took advantage with three win ASM-Marine KYC Frostbite League - Sunday 27th Feb, 2011.
Conditions for the final day of the ASM-Marine Frostbite League at Kinsale Yacht Club on Sunday could not have been a more inviting finale for the thirty plus sailors competing in the Laser, Squib and Mixed Dinghy Fleets. Despite losing two of the six week series due to the weather, the last day of the season brought welcome sunshine accompanied by a fresh Force 4 North to North-Westerly breeze, gusting Force 5 at times. Three windward-leeward races were completed which brought the total race number to eleven, with two discards applying. The constantly shifting Northerly breeze, which tracked slowly westwards was the predominate feature in all three races, with an ebb tide having effect to the right hand side of the coarse.
Dara O'Shea (KYC) with another gritty performance in the Laser 4.7 fleet, managed this week to overhaul the league leader Cian Byrne (KYC/RCYC). Leaving it to the final race and with both sailors on nineteen points, Dara grasped the top spot as he fought off his rivals and eventually took line honours and the Laser 4.7 League title. Cian untypically finished fourth but nevertheless secured second place overall, just two points behind. Darragh O'Sullivan had an excellent day's racing with a win and two seconds which pulled him into third place overall, just ahead of Conor Murphy (KYC) who finished on the same points total but one place behind in the final race.
Proving once again that consistency is the key to success in the Frostbite League, Eoghan Cudmore (KYC) with a fifth, third and a second in the Radial Fleet managed to hold off the challenge for the top spot from last year's winner Sean Murphy (KYC) who scored two thirds and a fourth. With the second best results of the day, Colm O'Regan (KYC) scoring two seconds and a fourth, moved up to third place overall. Despite an excellent run of results with three wins on the final day Thomas Chaix (KYC) with insufficient points accrued could not make an impact on the final order.
In the Laser Standard Class Rob Howe (RCYC) continued his outstanding form with a further second place and two firsts bringing his overall total to an unassailable eleven points, fourteen points ahead of his nearest rival Paul O'Sullivan of Monkstown. Scoring two thirds and a second, O'Sullivan's consistent form paid off bringing him into second place overall. David Kenefick (RCYC) who had closely pursued the leader throughout the series, dropped to third place overall as he did not compete on the day.
Seldom conceding line honours Marcus Hutchinson and Ben Fusco (KYC) in the Squib Class went into the final day leading comfortably by eight points. Two wins later and a final second easily secured the league title and are now the new holders of the Bruce Mathews Squib Trophy. In a repeat of last year Paul McCarthy (KYC) finished strongly with two seconds and a win in the final race. These results elevated him from fourth place overall into the prize winning second position. Victor Fusco and Ruth Ennis (KYC) with a final third, fourth and seventh subsequently slipped one place to claim the third prize overall.
In the Mixed Dinghy Class, despite conceding line honours in all three races Brian Jones and Gary Frost (MBSC) in their International 505 finished the series as the lead boat four points comfortably ahead. The RS Feva of David Marshall and Rob Scandrett (RCYC) closed on a high note as they took advantage with three wins and claimed the second prize overall. Finishing third on the day and third overall in the series was the Feva of Fiona Lynch and Sofie Kelleher.
At the Prize Giving, Alice Kingston KYC Commodore, congratulated the deserving winners and thanked all the sailors for their efforts. Special thanks went to PRO Bruce Mathews for his dedicated support, the Organisers, the Sponsor ASM-Marine and all those who had helped both on and off the water to make this annual event such a success. Cameron Good KYC Vice-Commodore presented the prizes and June Matthews presented the Bruce Matthews Trophies for the best performances in the Laser Radial and Squib Classes won by Eoghan Cudmore and Marcus Hutchinson respectively. The inaugural Laser 4.7 'Destiny' Trophy was presented to Dara O'Shea.

 

Strong Southerly winds were again a feature of the continuing ASM-Marine Frostbite League at Kinsale Yacht Club on Sunday. Photos HERE. Due to a building force 6 breeze prior to the start and in order to moderate its influence, the Race Committee lead by PRO Bruce Mathews decided on a windward-leeward course to the north of Money Point. With the headland offering some respite to the right-hand side of the course; the opposite hand exposed to the mainly Southerly sweeping in from the mouth of Kinsale Harbour against the ebbing tide.

With the Laser Fleets not launching until the last minute, they however mistimed the 11.55 First Gun. After a short postponement, the Squib Class who had been reveling in the pre-start conditions was the first fleet to compete. The strong winds persisted throughout the first race with each squall prompting a flurry of capsizing Lasers as one Squib got into difficulties against the lee shore at Jarley's Cove. As the winds moderated to a force five, with the slackening tide and a calmer sea the remaining two races enjoyed easier if still challenging conditions. The decision to combine the three Laser fleets into one start, and the Squibs with the Mixed Dinghies led to the better management of the last two races given the conditions.

The previously unassailable form of Marcus Hutchinson (KYC) helming 'Sensation', was put under greater pressure in the Squib Fleet, with Victor Fusco and crew James Bendon (KYC) on Gemini notably claiming a first place in the second race. However with his crew Ben Fusco, Marcus took line honours in the other two races bringing his total of wins to five out of a possible six; as two discards now apply. Realistically, with next Sunday being the final day of racing and with eight points behind the leader, Gemini will be hoping to secure the second place overall. With a second in the first race adding to his overall score, he is now just two points ahead of the consistent Colm Dunne and Mark Buckley (KYC) who have moved up a place aided by an excellent second in the third race. Having an unsuccessful day due to a sixth in the first race and not completing the last two, Paul McCarthy (KYC) in Mack drops two places to a fourth overall. On only one point adrift he is still very much in contention for a top three placing.

In the Laser Standard Class Rob Howe (RCYC), though obviously comfortable in the strong breeze, did not quite repeat last week's clean sweep of wins. Nevertheless, with one second and two firsts he retains his overall position in the fleet on seven points overall. David Kenefick (RCYC) took advantage by winning the first race, and his subsequent two seconds puts him on just two points behind the leader going into the final day next Sunday. Having now discarded his worst two scores due to missing the first race day, Paul O' Sullivan (RCYC) continued his consistent form with a further three thirds, and is now in third place overall.
Eoin Keller (LDYC), the previous clear leader in the Laser Radial Class and unable to compete this week, slips dramatically from a total of four points to fifteen points and into second place overall. Eoghan Cudmore (KYC) with a splendid second and two wins on Sunday leaps from third into first place overall. Sean Murphy (KYC) who scored a third and two seconds positions himself just one point behind Keller. With very little between the top three, it will take the remaining races to decide final outcome.
Due to other sailing commitments for the young Laser 4.7 fleet, there has been much changing in the league position over the past few weeks; apart from Cian Byrne (KYC/RCYC) who has resolutely held onto the top position from day one. A close and exciting tussle has finally emerged between Cian and Dara O'Shea (KYC), who despite being on the wrong side of a protest decision in the first race, recovered well to gain a subsequent second and first. He has given himself a chance being well positioned just three points behind overall. Conor Murphy (KYC) with an excellent day's achievement of a first and two seconds has shot up the league table into third place overall.
Brian Jones and Gary Frost (MBSC) in their 505 continued unchallenged with a further three bullets in the Mixed Dinghy Class, with the Fevas of David Marshall/Rob Scandrett and Fiona Lynch/Sofie Kelleher in second and third overall.
The ASM Frostbite League at KYC will be completed next Sunday, 27th February 2011. First Gun is at 11.55 a.m.

Following the previous two weeks of adverse weather which interrupted the league programme, the ASM Frostbite series continued at Kinsale Yacht Club on Sunday in lively sailing conditions.

With the predicted South-South Westerly winds arriving on schedule for the 11.55 First Gun, PRO Bruce Mathews and team laid a windward- leeward course across the harbour from Money Point to Charles Fort. The moderately difficult conditions, which were dominated by a variable force three to four, were at times exacerbated by persistent gusts sweeping the length of the course. By the end of the first race an unexpected squall left several capsized boats in its wake. With an ebb tide affecting the left side of the course in particular and strengthening as the racing progressed, the competing fleets were challenged with typical Kinsale Frostbite conditions. As five races have now been successfully completed, the first discard in the league series came into play.

First fleet off was the 4.7 Lasers, immediately followed by the combined Laser Radial and Standard rigs, and finally by the combined Squib and Mixed Dinghy classes. The slightly amended running order resulted in a quick and efficient programme which allowed for three races on the day and all crews safely ashore within three hours.

Cian Byrne (KYC/RCYC) although scoring a fourth, a third and a second in the Laser 4.7 races just managed to retain his leading position by a single point. He is closely followed by Darragh O'Sullivan (KYC) a current member of the ISA Laser 4.7 Squad, who scored a first and a fourth, while discarding an unfortunate protest-related penalty from the first week. Dara O'Shea's (KYC) overall third remains secure after scoring a fine first in the first race followed by two fourths. Séafra Guilfoyle (RCYC), another ISA Squad member, turned in the best results of the day as he scored his first points in the series with two seconds and a first in the last race.
Eoin Keller (LDYC) continued his unbeatable form in the Laser Radials, as he completed a clean sweep of all races. His unblemished record of five straight bullets puts him in a commanding position at the head of the fleet. Colm Regan, with two fourths and a second retains second place overall, as Eoghan Cudmore (RCYC/KYC) showing consistent form with two thirds and a second moves up one place to third overall.
In a much depleted Laser Standard fleet this week, Rob Howe (RCYC) took full advantage of the opportunity as he coasted home with three straight wins. His excellent performance moved him up two places to lead the field overall displacing Dave Kenefick (RCYC) who had two seconds on the day.

Marcus and Meagan Hutchinson in 'Sensation' (KYC) convincingly shot to the top of the Squib fleet, from their previous third place with three straight wins as they dominated the day's racing and went on to shake up the leader-board. Previous pace-setter Paul McCarthy in 'Mack' (KYC) having an inconsistent day, slipped down into second overall three points behind as he scored a third, a fourth, and a second in the final race. Also down one place, Victor and Ruth Fusco in 'Gemini' (KYC) scored two fourths and a seventh leaving them four points behind McCarthy. Showing much improved form, Colm Dunne and Mark Buckley (KYC) had a very successful day with a second and two thirds and moved up several places to take fourth overall.
In the Mixed Dinghy Fleet, the 505 of Brian Jones and Gary Frost (MBSC) lead the David Marshall and Rob Scandrett owned Feva (RCYC), followed by Fiona Lynch's Feva and Shane Dwyer's Topaz Uno Plus. Individual results were not available at the time of writing.
The ASM Frostbite League at KYC continues over the next two Sundays, finishing on 27th February 2011. The Sailing Instructions allow for twelve races to complete the series, with a possible three discards to apply. First Gun is at 11.55 a.m.

HOWTH YACHT CLUB. LASER FROSTBITE WINTER (O'ALL) 12/12/2010 LASER STANDARD: 1, Conor Greagsbey NYC (31.00); 2, Evan Dolan NYC (33.00); 3, Michael Evans HYC (45.00); LASER STANDARD APPRENTICE: 1, Conor Murphy HYC (12.00); 2, Brendan Costello MYC (16.00); 3, Conor Hopkins HYC (24.00); LASER STANDARD MASTER: 1, Evan Dolan NYC (24.00); 2, Conor Greagsbey NYC (25.00); 3, Daragh Kelleher SSC (33.00); LASER STANDARD GRAND MASTER: 1, Michael Evans HYC (16.00); 2, Robin Hegarty HYC (20.00); 3, Stephen Quinn HYC (25.00); LASER RADIAL: 1, Simon Revill HYC (18.00); 2, Ciaran Costello MYC (25.00); 3, Robert Ferris HYC (29.00)

HOWTH YACHT CLUB. LASER FROSTBITE WINTER 07/11/2010 RACE 1 LASER STANDARD: 1, Paul McMahon HYC; 2, Conor Greagsbey NYC; 3, Darrell Reamsbottom HYC; 4, Conor Murphy HYC; 5, Daragh Kelleher SSC; 6, Stephen Quinn HYC; LASER STANDARD APPRENTICE: 1, Conor Murphy HYC; 2, Brendan Costello MYC; 3, Brian Tyrrell HYC; 4, Conor Hopkins HYC; LASER STANDARD MASTER: 1, Paul McMahon HYC; 2, Conor Greagsbey NYC; 3, Darrell Reamsbottom HYC; 4, Daragh Kelleher SSC; 5, David Quinn HYC; 6, Evan Dolan NYC; LASER STANDARD GRAND MASTER: 1, Stephen Quinn HYC; 2, Robin Hegarty HYC; 3, Daragh Sheridan HYC; 4, Cathal Sheridan MYC; 5, Dermot Mowatt HYC; 6, Alan Carr SDC; LASER RADIAL: 1, Darragh Peelo MYC; 2, Vincent Varley MYC; 3, Robert Ferris HYC; 4, Simon Revill HYC; 5, Ciaran Costello MYC; 6, Carla Fagan 

HYC LASER FROSTBITE WINTER 07/11/2010 RACE 2 LASER STANDARD: 1, Robin Hegarty HYC; 2, Colm Cunningham HYC; 3, Conor Greagsbey NYC; 4, Paul McMahon HYC; 5, Conor Murphy HYC; 6, Stephen Quinn HYC; LASER STANDARD APPRENTICE: 1, Conor Murphy HYC; 2, Conor Hopkins HYC; 3, Brendan Costello MYC; 4, Brian Tyrrell HYC; LASER STANDARD MASTER: 1, Colm Cunningham HYC; 2, Conor Greagsbey NYC; 3, Paul McMahon HYC; 4, Darrell Reamsbottom HYC; 5, Richard Deane HYC; 6, Evan Dolan NYC; LASER STANDARD GRAND MASTER: 1, Robin Hegarty HYC; 2, Stephen Quinn HYC; 3, Dermot Mowatt HYC; 4, Conor Costello MYC; 5, Daragh Sheridan HYC; 6, Edward Ferris HYC

Ireland's biggest Laser sailing dinghy series starts in over a week and organiser Dave Quinn has been in touch with ten good reasons to race in the 2010 Howth Laser Frostbite series on Sunday 31st October. We're sure there's many more but here's Dave's top ten:

1) This is the biggest series in Ireland, typically with over 50 entries

2) Howth welcome - great pre and post race social atmosphere in club.
3) Great Racing - Two short races per day, in open water just outside the harbour with committee boat starts. Great way to work on your helming and tactics over the winter.
4) Mix of competition - Sailors range from top 5 ranked sailors all the way through to beginners and casual racers. Ages range from 15-65.
5) Laser Round the Island and Lunch - A legendary, not to be missed end of season race, and party in March.
6) Great value - €4 per race, which covers the lunch in March also!
7) Free boat parking - entry fee also covers parking your boat in Howth the the full winter.
8) Dedicated race course - No other classes racing. Mix of windward leeward and triangle courses.
9) Full Rig, Radial and 4.7 fleets all supported
10) Friendly advice, guidance and help make it a great introduction to dinghy racing

Enter online at www.hyc.ie. For enquiries contact David Quinn 086 2835671