A female Irish-Italian duo has successfully completed June's Mini Fastnet Race, navigating challenging light conditions and winning a prize for the best performance in their class of boat. Skippers Gráinne Costigan and Ceci Zori were aboard Costigan's Irish Mini 650 (21-footer) Sea Fever.
"It was a real dream come true," said Gráinne. The race began and ended in Douarnenez, France, with 90 boats participating.
Grainne Costigan's Irish mini Sea Fever Photo: Manon Le Guen
The team positioned themselves among the leaders from the start. A high-pressure ridge caused light winds, prompting a tactical northern route around Land's End.
Tidal strategy played a key role. The crew expertly utilised strong currents in the Four Channel while avoiding counter currents.
Grainne on the bow of Sea Fever approaching the Fastnet Rock in light winds
"The passage along the west coast of Cork was simply stunning," Gráinne noted. The team observed wildlife, including whales and dolphins, near Fastnet Rock before rounding the iconic lighthouse.
On the return leg, Sea Fever sprinted towards the finish. A late wind surge provided a boost, but they finished in fourth place, just 12 minutes behind the third boat.
They also received the Best Performance Prize for traditional bow boats. This prize recognises outstanding achievements among older designs as scow bows dominate the fleet.
Gráinne reflected, "It was a magical race with a magical co-skipper." Both skippers now prepare for the Mini Transat, departing on September 21.
Also racing in the Mini Fastnet was Dun Laoghaire's Mark O'Connor with Erwan Lamoureux.
Results are here
