#sailability – Leinster were the winners of the Sailability Ireland President's Cup Event hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club last weekend.
More than 40 sailors, representing all four Provinces, raced a series of six races over the two days last week-end in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. The weather on the first day was very dull with rain showers but, thankfully, the winds stayed light throughout the event.
Race Officer Barry MacNeaney and his team did great work in setting the Windward/Leeward courses and 3 races were achieved before retiring to the Clubhouse Saturday evening for much need sustenance.
Day two brought more continuous rain and slightly stronger breezes but it didn't dampen spirits and led to some really close racing. Some teams in their excitement even started one race a full minute before the actual start and had to be hauled back to restart. The standard of sailing was excellent and competition fierce with no holds barred at the start line and rounding the marks.
All four classes: Skud, Squib, Hansa 303 and 2.4m (single-handed) raced in every race with sailors of mixed abilities with varying physical, learning or sensory impairments and experience ranging from novices to a past Paralympian.
The daily prize-giving was held in the Club wet bar each day and prizes were presented by Ruth Shanahan, ably assisted by Ian French and Debbie Horan. RIYC Rear Commodore, Colin Byrne, presented the overall prizes on Sunday including the commissioned trophy which was raised by the Leinster captain and the rest of his team.
Last year's winners, Munster, were a close second at 4 points behind the winners and 13 points ahead of Ulster while Connacht finished in 4th position just 3 points behind Ulster.
