K2Q Day 1 21:30 hrs: Frank Whelan's Elliott 57 Opal is at the Tuskar Rock, leading the K2Q on the water at the halfway stage. But the fact that the big boat from Greystones is making only 3.6 knots over the ground in the last of the ebb tide indicates that a frustrating night is coming on for the fleet. The energy has gone out of the north to northeast breeze, and with the harsh north-going flood tide imminent, crews may be looking to kedge in some very deep water.
Frank Whelan's Elliott 57 Opal Photo: Afloat
In fact, some of the smaller boats have tracked closer to the shore in the reasonable expectation that if they have to think about simply staying put under anchor for five or six hours while this adverse tide runs its course, then it's better to do so in manageable depths where they've a chance of halting their unwilling retreat, even if it does take them well off their preferred course.
The 2024 K2Q fleet of 17 boats depart Dublin Bay on the 160 mile race Photo: Afloat
SMALLER BOATS DO WELL IF FLEET IS STOPPED
As suggested in the initial race report, when this situation arises, all bets are off as the smaller boats – if they can manage literally to get a grip – will be piling on the beneficial time. After a season in which the big 'uns seem to have been having it their own way, surely it's only fair?
John Treanor's J/112 ValenTina (NYC) Photo: Afloat
Meanwhile, John Treanor's J/112 ValenTina (NYC) has found her own useful track close north of the Tuskar and is showing better than 6 knots with first place on CT to match. But for the rest of the fleet even now we're looking at speeds of only 2 to 4 knots, and the night coming on.
The joyous morning departure from Dublin Bay is a fading memory.
The 2024 K2Q fleet's departure from Dublin Bay Photo: Afloat
Read also: Living History in Dublin Bay to Cork Harbour Race
