The Irish 12 Foot Dinghy fleet enjoyed a rare reunion on Dublin Bay during the Royal Irish Yacht Club's 195th Birthday Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin Classic Boat Regatta on 20 and 21 June. Four Irish 12 Foot Dinghies joined a mixed fleet of classic boats, including Dublin Bay Water Wags and IDRA 14s, for racing off Dún Laoghaire.
The competing 12 Foot Dinghies were Albany (IRL 9), Calypso (IRL 37), Cora (IRL 8) and Pixie (IRL 11). Two further owners were unable to take part due to a clash with the Fireball Irish Championship.
Scarlet Sail — Paul Gillespie's Calypso races off Dún Laoghaire beneath her distinctive red sail during the Royal Irish Yacht Club Classic Boat Regatta. The restored Irish 12 Foot Dinghy was among four examples competing outside the harbour walls. Photo: Vincent Delany
Saturday's opening race was abandoned after several boats sailed the wrong course. Competitors had started in an eight-knot south-westerly breeze on a course stretching between Omega, Pier, Bay and Bullock marks.
The second race proved more successful after the wind shifted to the south-east. Margaret Delany and Gerry Murray aboard Cora took victory ahead of Mark Delany in Pixie, with Gail and Tim Varian's Albany third and Paul Gillespie's Calypso fourth. The result highlighted the international-style rig's speed advantage in lighter conditions.
Classic Course — Margaret Delany and Gerry Murray sail Cora during the Royal Irish Yacht Club Classic Boat Regatta. The Irish 12 Foot Dinghy went on to record two race wins in the regatta fleet. Photo: Vincent Delany
Sunday's racing was delayed for an hour while competitors waited for wind to fill in across Dublin Bay. Once racing got underway, the fleet sailed from Asgard Mark to a laid windward mark, then returned to the finish. Cora again proved the boat to beat, taking a second race win. Albany finished second, while Pixie, helmed by George Millar, completed the podium.
Parade Pride — Gail Varian and Nicky Gray aboard Albany during the Parade of Sail off Dún Laoghaire. The Irish 12 Foot Dinghy fleet made a rare collective appearance at the Royal Irish Yacht Club Classic Boat Regatta. Photo: Mark Delany
Following racing, the classic fleet took part in a Parade of Sail off the East Pier bandstand. Classic boat historian Hal Sisk provided commentary for spectators, outlining the history of the participating classes as they passed.
The regatta marked the first time in many years that the Irish 12 Foot Dinghies had raced together outside the shelter of Dún Laoghaire Harbour. The class will next gather for its National Championships at the Royal St George Yacht Club in October, where overseas visitors are expected to join the fleet.
