Stormy weather delayed the start of Part 2 of Antrim Boat Club's Winter Series, and subsequently, inclement weather resulted in two of the scheduled nine being cancelled.
The club lies at the mouth of the Six Mile River at the northern end of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles.
But when racing did resume, there was a nail-biting battle for first between Final Fling, the H-Boat skippered by Alfie Mayrs, and FA2, Charlie McAllister and Jeff Harrison's Limbo 6.6, who started the second half with a three-point lead.
Race 7 was cancelled due to the high winds, while Race 8 was sailed in completely contrasting light winds, just enough for the fleet to finish the race. FA2 revelled in the light conditions and won by a large margin over Final Fling and the Hunter Medina Just Magici (Peter Frazer)
Antrim BC Winter Series - tight keelboat racing in light conditions on Lough Neagh
Race 9 saw a tense battle in the moderate breeze with some close encounters on the start line, resulting in a General Recall. In the restart, there was more discipline, and FA2 got away with a short lead, which she wouldn't relinquish with a tight victory over Final Fling. Andy Speedy's Corinthian (MG Spring) was a comfortable third until a mishap in their final spinnaker drop gave time for Just Magic to sneak through.
Race 10 started with strong winds – the consistent FA2 led from the start, but Final Fling was hot on their heels, and when the wind eased, they pounced to take the lead. Final Fling took the line honours, but FA2 was only 11 seconds behind, which gave them a small handicap win.
Race 11 was cancelled due to the strong wind, but Race 12 saw a moderate breeze with a swell from the South West. Boats bumped the bottom as they left the river mouth, but it didn't deter them from racing. Final Fling got the better of the start and opened up a healthy lead over its rival FA2, pulling away on both upwind and downwind legs. But an error of judgment saw them missing the leeward mark on the second downwind leg, allowing FA2 to close the gap, but like the previous race, Final Fling took line honours with FA2 just behind, giving a close victory on handicap. Corinthian was once again comfortable in third with the MG Spring Elan (Ronnie Walker) taking fourth place.
Summer showed its face for a day with Race 13 sailed in warm light winds with another close battle in the first stages of the race. Although Final Fling took an early lead upwind, FA2 closed in and overtook on the first downwind legs. Once in the lead, FA2 covered Final Fling, but once the wind lightened, they were able to extend their lead for a comfortable win.
Race 14 was held in again very light winds and there was nothing to separate Final Fling and FA2 on the opening upwind and downwind legs. A good final beat from FA2 secured their win and Just Magic stole second place on handicap.
The final race was held in strong gusty winds from the Northwest. The opening beat was short, and the fleet compacted as they headed to the windward mark but an incorrect rounding of the mark by Final Fling threw the fleet into confusion as they tried to undo the mistake. FA2 revelled in the strong winds and was the only boat to fly a spinnaker, although Corinthian white sailing was just as fast. The longer beat on the second upwind leg allowed FA2 to stretch their lead and take a brilliant win while Final Fling was closed in on Corinthian to second.
FA2's form in the second half meant they won the overall series and retained the Pat Kelly Memorial Trophy again.
Antrim BC Winter Series overall winners FA 2 crew (from left to right) Peter Bell, Charlie McAllister, Jeff Harrison, Katie Ryles, Kevin Donnelly and ABC Committee member Wendy Smyth
