"Brutal" said the Harrington, O'Tiarnaigh, Mulholland trio in the IMX 38,eXcession, after the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race; "fantastic – a great collective learning curve," said Shaun Douglas in the First 40.7 Game Changer.
eXcession had an excruciatingly long passage from Belfast Lough to Dun Laoghaire and it left the crew with not much time for race preparation. Further hassle after the Tuskar because of a faulty charger meant no AIS, so a jury-rigged supply (and a handy electrician) got them through that.
After the beat to the Tuskar and yet another along the south coast in a short steep chop, it was a relief to turn the corner at the Fastnet, which John said they too couldn't see for the fog and hanging cloud. He added, "The big rolling Atlantic seas were much more consistent and easier to cope with". On the wind to Great Skellig, they hoisted the Code Zero and heading into Dingle, changed it for the A2 Asymmetric in the lighter breeze. "We had a great time; a great boat and we're delighted to be in Dingle".
The trio are pleased to take fourth place prize in the Dingle Crystal Trophy in the IRC 2 division.
Game Changer
Game Changer put in a commendable performance, finishing in eighth place overall. The beat to the Tusker then another to the Fastnet, which Shaun says they couldn't even see in the bad visibility, despite hearing the waves crashing on the rock. After that they were able to crack off 20deg for Mizen Head. Having rounded Great Skellig, it was a 22-mile crawl in light winds to Dingle.
The crew were John and son Connor Simms, Colin and son Josh Coffey, and Michael Ennis. "The young lads" Shaun said, "have learned a lot and are keen to do more offshore passage races." At the time of writing a provisional eighth place overall is a very satisfactory result for Douglas and his crew.
As published earlier in Afloat.ie a protest committee decision gave line honours winner Freya (Conor Doyle of Kinsale) joint second overall after redress with defending champion Rockabill VI (Paul O'Higgins) of the Royal Irish Yacht Club.