Five J109s were in the top six of last week's opening race of the Rathfarnham Ford sponsored DBSC Turkey Shoot series on Dublin Bay. Royal Irish Yacht Jigamaree (Ronan Harris) was the winner of the blustery race ahead of club–mate Tim Goodbody in White Mischief. Third was Beneteau 50 Mermaid IV.

Former ISORA champion Ruth, a J109 from the National Yacht Club skippered by Liam Shanahan Junior was fourth. J109 Dear Prudence was sixth.

Full results are downloadable below. Handicaps and Starts for next Sunday are also downloadable below.

Over 40 boats turned out for a blustery start in today's Rathfarnham Ford sponsored DBSC Turkey Shoot sailing series on Dublin Bay. The combined cruiser fleet faced a north–westerly breeze gusting to over 20–knots for the first of six Sunday handicap races.  Results will be posted on Afloat.ie later.

Below are handicaps for today's race. Handicaps are the start-off base figures for the event. 

The Royal Irish Yacht Club is hosting this year's Dublin Bay Sailing Club Turkey Shoot Sailing Series from Sunday 6th November to Sunday December 18th. 

• Entry forms and the NOR is downloadable below.

A series of seven races to be held on Sunday mornings (First gun 10.10 hrs) under modified ECHO.

'Cruisers, cruising boats, one-designs and boats that do not normally race are very welcome', according to DBSC race organiser Fintan Cairns.

As a DBSC incentive to get people sailing, a boat that takes out a non–sailor (new to sailing) will get a 2% discount on it’s handicap that day. The non-sailor will qualify as such for 3 races if taken. There may be overlaps with non-sailors so rules will again evolve! Names must be registered before racing on the day. Cairns says the rule should be 'used in the spirit meant'. 

Dun Laoghaire's Irish National Sailing School has been quick off the mark to launch a 'Turkey Shoot Sailing package' for beginners, providing tuition and racing each Sunday in a 1720. Full details on this INSS package here.

Entry fee to the series at €70.00 – includes temporary membership of Dublin Bay SC and Royal Irish YC

Entry forms and the NOR is downloadable below.

Sailing instructions will be available on Sunday 6th November and will be emailed to entrants beforehand.

After sailing, food will be available to competitors in the Royal Irish YC

This afternoon's DBSC racing inside Dun Laoghaire Harbour completed a busy a Junior September sailing series with winners announced in all classes. Royal St. George's Emma Williams was the winner on the 19–boat RS Feva class. The National Yacht Club's Hugh O'Connor was top in the 18–boat Topper fleet. Louis Clarke finished first in the Laser Radials and Clare Gorman was the winner of the 4.7s. Odhran Proveur of DMYC topped the PY fleet and Conor Gorman the 61–boat Optimist class. Full results are downloadable below.

BENETEAU 31.7 ECHO- 1. Crazy Horse (F Heath & I Schuster), 2. Levante (M.Leahy/J.Power), 3. Attitude (T Milner J Sugars M Branigan)

BENETEAU 31.7 - 1. Crazy Horse (F Heath & I Schuster), 2. Levante (M.Leahy/J.Power), 3. Attitude (T Milner J Sugars M Branigan)

CRUISERS 0 ECHO- 1. Wow (George Sisk), 2. Lively Lady (Derek Martin)

CRUISERS 0 - 1. Wow (George Sisk), 2. Lively Lady (Derek Martin)

CRUISERS 1 ECHO - 1. Bon Exemple (C Byrne), 2. Ruth (L Shanahan), 3. Jigamaree (R Harris)

CRUISERS 1 - 1. Bon Exemple (C Byrne), 2. Ruth (L Shanahan), 3. Jigamaree (R Harris)

CRUISERS 2 ECHO - 1. Helter Skelter (A & A Jermyn), 2. Antix (D Ryan), 3. Borraine (D Butler)

CRUISERS 3 - 1. Cartoon (McCormack/Brady/Lawless), 2. Quest (J Skerritt & B Cunningham), 3. Enigma (J MONAGHAN ET AL)

CRUISERS 3 ECHO - 1. Wynward (W McCormack), 2. Marlena (Grzegorz Kalinecki), 3. Cartoon (McCormack/Brady/Lawless)

Combined Classes ECHO - 1. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 2. Springer (I Bowring), 3. Enchantress (Larkin/Bonner/Nicholl)

Combined Classes - 1. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 2. Rupert (R & P Lovegrove), 3. Springer (I Bowring)

FLYING FIFTEEN RACE 1- 1. Betty (D & S Gorman), 2. Fitz (B O'Neill), 3. FFantastic Mr Fox (N Meagher & N Matthews)

FLYING FIFTEEN RACE 2- 1. FFantastic Mr Fox (N Meagher & N Matthews), 2. The Gruffalo (K Poole/I Mathews), 3. Bob (F Mitchell & G Grier)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Ruffles (Michael Cutliffe), 2. Ruff Nuff (D & C Mitchell), 3. Bandit (Kirwan/Cullen/Brown)

SB20 Race 2- 1. Bango (J Gorman), 2. Sacrebleu (R Hayes & C Galavan), 3. Sin Bin (Michael O'Connor)

SB20 RACE 1- 1. Sin Bin (Michael O'Connor), 2. Smoke on the Water (B Hobby), 3. Bad - Kilcullen (J Dowling)

SHIPMAN ECHO - 1. Curraglas (John Masterson), 2. Invader (Gerard Glynn), 3. Viking (Brian Glynn et al)

SHIPMAN - 1. Curraglas (John Masterson), 2. Invader (Gerard Glynn), 3. Viking (Brian Glynn et al)

SIGMA 33 ECHO - 1. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 2. Springer (I Bowring), 3. Enchantress (Larkin/Bonner/Nicholl)

SIGMA 33 - 1. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 2. Rupert (R & P Lovegrove), 3. Springer (I Bowring)

SIGMA 33 - 1. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 2. Rupert (R & P Lovegrove), 3. Springer (I Bowring)

SQUIB - 1. Femme Fatale (V Delaney), 2. Kookaburra (P & M Dee)

Sportsboat RACE 1- 1. Jester (D Curtain), 2. Jambiya (M Ryan & V Lattimore)

Sportsboat RACE 2- 1. Jester (D Curtain), 2. Jambiya (M Ryan & V Lattimore)

WHITE SAIL CRUISERS ECHO - 1. More Mischief (E Doyle & P O'Toole), 2. Just Jasmin (P Smith), 3. Cevantes (P Conway)

WHITE SAIL CRUISERS - 1. Cevantes (P Conway), 2. Persistence (C Broadhead et al), 3. Act Two (M O'Leary)

BENETEAU 31.7 - 1. Crazy Horse (F Heath & I Schuster), 2. Levante (M.Leahy/J.Power), 3. Prospect (Chris Johnston)

BENETEAU 31.7 ECHO - 1. Extreme Reality (L Balfe), 2. Attitude (T Milner J Sugars M Branigan), 3. Levante (M.Leahy/J.Power)

CRUISERS 0 ECHO - 1. Wow (George Sisk), 2. Lively Lady (Derek Martin), 3. Tsunami (Vincent Farrell)

CRUISERS 0 - 1. Wow (George Sisk), 2. Tsunami (Vincent Farrell), 3. Lively Lady (Derek Martin)

CRUISERS 1 - 1. Bon Exemple (C Byrne), 2. White Mischief (Tim Goodbody), 3. Boomerang (Paul Kirwan)

CRUISERS 1 ECHO - 1. Powder Monkey (C Moore), 2. Boomerang (Paul Kirwan), 3. Jump The Gun (M.Monaghan/J.Kelly)

CRUISERS 2 ECHO - 1. Peridot (Jim McCann et al), 2. Utopia (J Healy), 3. Borraine (D Butler)

CRUISERS 2 - 1. Peridot (Jim McCann et al), 2. Utopia (J Healy)

CRUISERS 3 ECHO - 1. Cartoon (McCormack/Brady/Lawless), 2. Marlena (Grzegorz Kalinecki), 3. Enigma (J MONAGHAN ET AL)

CRUISERS 3 - 1. Cartoon (McCormack/Brady/Lawless), 2. Enigma (J MONAGHAN ET AL), 3. Asterix (Boushel/Meredith/Counihan)

FLYING FIFTEEN Race 2- 1. Fitz (B O'Neill), 2. As Good As It Gets (Ben Mulligan), 3. The Gruffalo (K Poole/I Mathews)

FLYING FIFTEEN Race 1- 1. The Gruffalo (K Poole/I Mathews), 2. FFantastic Mr Fox (N Meagher & N Matthews), 3. Fitz (B O'Neill)

GLEN - 1. Glenluce (D & R O'Connor), 2. Glencoe (Rose Mary Craig et al), 3. Glenroan (T O'Sullivan)

MERMAID Race 1- 1. Aideen (B.Martin/D.Brennan), 2. Jill (P Smith/P Mangan), 3. Tijuana (David Stedmond)

MERMAID Race 2- 1. Aideen (B.Martin/D.Brennan), 2. Jill (P Smith/P Mangan)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Ripples (Frank Bradley), 2. Bandit (Kirwan/Cullen/Brown), 3. Ruffles (Michael Cutliffe)

SB20 Race 1- 1. Timber (B Glavin & N O'Riordan), 2. Sin Bin (Michael O'Connor), 3. Bad - Kilcullen (J Dowling)

SB20 Race 2- 1. Timber (B Glavin & N O'Riordan), 2. Bad - Kilcullen (J Dowling), 3. Smoke on the Water (B Hobby)

SHIPMAN ECHO - 1. Jo Slim (J.Clarke et al), 2. Viking (Brian Glynn et al), 3. Malindi (B.Smith/A.Gray)

SHIPMAN - 1. Jo Slim (J.Clarke et al), 2. Viking (Brian Glynn et al), 3. Malindi (B.Smith/A.Gray)

SIGMA 33 - 1. Rupert (R & P Lovegrove), 2. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 3. Leeuwin (H Leonard & B Kerr)

SIGMA 33 - 1. Rupert (R & P Lovegrove), 2. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 3. Leeuwin (H Leonard & B Kerr)

SIGMA 33 ECHO - 1. Springer (I Bowring), 2. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 3. Leeuwin (H Leonard & B Kerr)

SQUIB Race 1- 1. Femme Fatale (V Delaney), 2. Nimble (Brian O'Hare), 3. Tears in Heaven (M Halpenny & G Ferguson)

SQUIB Race 2- 1. Tears in Heaven (M Halpenny & G Ferguson), 2. Nimble (Brian O'Hare), 3. Femme Fatale (V Delaney)

Sportsboat Race 1- 1. Third Time Lucky (N O'Neill & R Johnson), 2. Jambiya (M Ryan & V Lattimore), 3. Jawesome III (M Dyke & B Darcy)

Sportsboat Race 2- 1. Third Time Lucky (N O'Neill & R Johnson), 2. Jawesome III (M Dyke & B Darcy), 3. Jambiya (M Ryan & V Lattimore)

WHITE SAIL CRUISERS Echo- 1. Warrior (D Shanahan), 2. Afternoon Delight (Bennett/Brennan/McKay), 3. Xerxes (D O'Neill)

WHITE SAIL CRUISERS - 1. Warrior (D Shanahan), 2. Act Two (M O'Leary), 3. Cevantes (P Conway)

Great entry of 25 Lasers, average turnout around 15, two shortish races every Tuesday night for 5 months with only 2 cancellations. Great DBSC race management with good courses in gorgeous Scotsman’s Bay or inside our historic old harbour when the wind was too light or too strong. What’s not to like? So it was that DBSC Lasers concluded another great 2017 season of midweek racing. Eoin De Lap from DMYC was our most consistent performer winning both Series 2 and 3, while Paul Keane from RIYC took Series 1. We had a huge spread of race winners, growing interest from a small but keen number of Radial sailors (though we still don’t understand why youth Radial sailors won’t grab the chance of real race practice on their doorstep) and very encouragingly a whole new bunch of new faces. Racing was highly competitive, but always friendly and sporting with people doing their penalty turns and bantering incessantly around the race course, in the bar afterwards and through the fleet WhatsApp group the next day! Many sailors improved fairly radically over the series, most notably Conor O’Leary, Gavin Murphy, Marco Sorgassi, Luke Dillon and Shirley Gilmore.

Apart from Tuesday nights, local sailors supported National circuit events, went Masters (Over 35) training in Malta and travelled to events like the Italian Masters Championships. Indeed at the Irish Masters Championships and the normal Laser Leinster Championships, in each case 60-70% of the total entry comprised of DBSC entries. We stand over the decision taken in 2015 to only race on Tuesday nights precisely so sailors have flexibility at the weekends, either for other laser stuff, sailing other classes or for family pursuits. In fact, Sunday mornings would see many DBSC Laser sailors out in a small pod for a casual sail, always exchanging tips and ideas on how to make sailing these boats a bit easier. Just last Sunday we then had an excellent, more formal training day for 10 boats with Claudine Murphy.

Highlight for 2016 ? Well that’s an easy one. Tuesday August 16th was of course a night none of us will ever forget. We rigged the boats, we gathered (nervously, let’s face it!) in the NYC to watch Annalise’s incredible Medal race just after 5 pm, we cried, we hugged…but then we lashed out for brilliant DBSC Tuesday racing in the Harbour in 20 knots and hot sunshine. Boats de-rigged, we again lashed over to the NYC to catch the Medal presentation ceremony at 8.30 pm, cue more watery eyes and quite a few pints. It’s a simple formula this Laser, but it works for all levels, whether Olympic or Dublin Bay local racing!

Frostbites up next and in 2017 we hope to build our DBSC entry up towards 35 or 40, giving regular turnouts well in excess of 20. If you have a Laser think seriously about it. If you don’t, pick one up (2 grand or less will easily get you a really good, modern example with all the new control lines). Also, with DBSC Laser entry fees of just €163 for adults and €107 for Under-25s, none of this will burn too big a hole in your pocket.

Report by Class Captain, Sean Craig

Prizes in 14 divisions plus were presented at Dublin Bay Sailing Club's (DBSC) MGM Cruiser Challenge on Sunday after two days of competition at the annual end–of–season regatta hosted this year by the Royal St. George Yacht Club. 

Race results for all classes are here and below are photos from the well attended prizegiving at the Royal St. George YC by Joe Fallon. Scroll down to the end of the page for a photo gallery. 

DBSC Commodore Chris Moore (right) congratulates John Counihan Cruiser Challenge Regatta Director. Photo: Joe Fallon

MGM Cruiser Challenge prizes

Jonathan Nicholson of DBSC with Henry Leonard, Sigma 33 Winner Photo: Joe FallonFrank Heath and Cillian Meldon from the Beneteau 31.7s Photo: Joe FallonFlor O Driscoll and the J24s Photo: Joe Fallon

Above and below J24 teams

White Sail's Howard Knot (left) with Jonathan Nicholson

Lorcan Balfe and Cillian Meldon from the 31.7s Photo: Joe FallonLeslie Parnell (left) and DBSC's Jonathan NicholsonDBSC's Jonathan Nicholson (left) with Myles Kelly

Terese Tyrrell and DBSC's Jonathan Nicholson Photo: Joe Fallon

Sandra Moore of the DBSC Race Office with Jonathan NicholsonSome of the DBSC Committee boat teams

Jonathan Nicholson (left) with Tim Costello DBSC PRO

Dublin Bay Sailing Club Junior September Series Results for 4 September 2016

Juniors - Laser 4.7 - 1. tom higgins (rsgyc), 2. ELLA HEMERYCK (NYC), 3. CLARE GORMAN (NYC)

Juniors - Laser 4.7 - 1. ELLA HEMERYCK (NYC), 2. FINN WALKER (RSGYC), 3. CLARE GORMAN (NYC)

Juniors - Laser 4.7 - 1. tom higgins (rsgyc), 2. CLARE GORMAN (NYC), 3. ELLA HEMERYCK (NYC)

Juniors - Laser Radial - 1. LOUIS CLARKE (RIYC), 2. OISIN CULLEN (NYC), 3. KILLIAN PUPLETT (RSGYC)

Juniors - Laser Radial - 1. KILLIAN PUPLETT (RSGYC), 2. LOUIS CLARKE (RIYC), 3. ANDREW IRVIN (NYC)

Juniors - Laser Radial - 1. ANDREW IRVIN (NYC), 2. KILLIAN PUPLETT (RSGYC), 3. LOUIS CLARKE (RIYC)

Juniors - Optimists - 1. CONOR GORMAN (NYC), 2. MOSS SIMINGTON (RSGYC), 3. LOUIS JULLO (NYC)

Juniors - Optimists - 1. CONOR GORMAN (NYC), 2. CHARLIE CULLEN (NYC), 3. KITTY FLANAGAN (RSGYC)

Juniors - Optimists - 1. CHARLIE CULLEN (NYC), 2. SAM LEDOUX (NYC), 3. CONOR GORMAN (NYC)

Juniors - PY - 1. NICOLA FERGUSON (NYC), 2. DARA DONNELLY (NYC), 3. Odhran Proveur (DMYC)

Juniors - PY - 1. NICOLA FERGUSON (NYC), 2. DARA DONNELLY (NYC), 3. Odhran Proveur (DMYC)

Juniors - PY - 1. NICOLA FERGUSON (NYC), 2. Odhran Proveur (DMYC)

Juniors - RS Feva - 1. EMMA WILLIAMS (RSGYC), 2. cameron kelly (rsgyc), 3. caoimhe totterdell (nyc)

Juniors - RS Feva - 1. EMMA WILLIAMS (RSGYC), 2. HENRY START (RSGYC), 3. EMILY ARROWSMITH (RSGYC)

Juniors - RS Feva - 1. HENRY START (RSGYC), 2. ISABEL DWYER (NYC), 3. alice tyrrell (riyc)

Juniors - Topper - 1. HUGH O'CONNOR (NYC), 2. kate fahy (rsgyc), 3. JOHN DALY (NYC)

Juniors - Topper - 1. HUGH O'CONNOR (NYC), 2. JACK HALL (NYC), 3. JOHN DALY (NYC)

Juniors - Topper - 1. JACK HALL (NYC), 2. ADAM IRVIN (), 3. LUKA FLANAGAN (RSGYC)

Quarter Tonner Cartoon from the Royal Irish Yacht Club was the class three IRC winner of this weekend's MGM Boats sponsored DBSC Cruiser Challenge. In two days of very contrasting weather, the 14 divisions concluded this evening in light winds and bright sunshine. Saturday's racing was dominated by heavy downpours. The all–black quarter–tonner owned by Sybil McCormack and Ken Lawless was four points clear of Asterix from the DMYC. Third was RIYC yacht Barry Cunningham's Quest. 

Tim Goodbody's J109 White Mischief was the winner of the biggest fleet in the DBSC Challenge. The Royal Irish sailor was the winner by one point from club mate Colin Byrne in the XP–33 Bon Exemple. The 15–boat IRC one division also featured new J109 entry on the bay, Chimaera, sailed by Royal St. George's Andrew Craig.

Up to five races were sailed in some classes but others sailed only two.

Full results for all classes are downloadable below.