Large numbers of members, friends and spectators made sure that Commodore's Day would be one of the major highlights of the sailing season in the Cooleen Point based yacht club.
All the boats were decked out in Pirate memorabilia, making for a great spectacle for the public on the hill looking down on the yacht club.
'It was fantastic to see young and old on the water today, and it was great to see such a large turnout of people from Foynes and the surrounding area descending on the yacht club', Commodore Tom Murray said.
Racing started from an estuary start line, where Alan McEneff was Officer of the Day.
In Class 1 the yachts were racing for the Paddy Reidy Memorial Trophy, and the course was down the estuary and around Foynes Island. First past the post was Battle; 2nd Joyrider and 3rd Hello.
In Class 2, this year was the first time on the Commodore's discretion that he picked the winner, and the 'Spirit of Yachting best Boat' was Marengo. The course that they sailed was down the estuary up to the Cahercon mark and back down estuary finishing at the clubline.
It was a pleasure to see such an array of Mermaids racing, which were magnificently refurbished during the winter months and are in the process of being fine-tuned for the Mermaid National Championships which will be hosted by the club in August.
The Mermaids raced down river to no. 4 Pilon and back up to the harbour, where another mark was laid, which they raced around and finished at the clubline.
Vincent McCormack on Three Chevrons came first, and was presented with the Michael Synnott Memorial Trophy by his son, John. Syreena was second and third Argo.
Two young members of the club, Mary McCormack and Anna Lowes, who sailed in the Topaz fleet were awarded the top prize for dressing up in Pirate costume.
Club racing continues every Wednesday evening for all classes and racing will begin at 7pm.
This coming weekend racing will switch down the estuary to our neighbours the Royal Western Yacht Club, Kilrush, where the second leg of the Estuary Bell will take place. Two races will be raced on Saturday, and one on Sunday. It is neck and neck in the scoring pattern between the two yacht clubs so far.
