In unsettled conditions 17 Flying Fifteens took part in Saturdays Dublin Bay racing. The steady westerly winds in the morning faded completely as the boats went out but soon came in from the east and eventually clocking around to the south. Added to the challenge was a strong outgoing tide and the black flag had to be introduced in both races after general recalls.
After a poor start race 1 was won comfortably in the end by Gorman & Doorly as they headed right towards the clouds they got more breeze to lead all the way. It was a closer affair behind with places changing. Sherry was going really well but McCourt & O’Leary and the Meaghers were hot on his heels. At the last windward mark, the Meaghers moved into second place and were followed by McCourt in third and Ryan & Dolan moving up to an excellent fourth.
The wind was up and had moved to the south-east for race 2. Those on the right again looked good but as they approached the weather mark it all changed and those left led by Dumpleton & Galvin and including the Mulvins, Green and McCourt were clear ahead. Gorman was back in seventh but a quick gybe set saw him move quickly to third and eventually on the last beat overtook the Mulvins to second place. All along Dumpleton was sailing superbly well and stayed ahead to take a well-deserved win.
Many thanks to Barry O’Neill and his team for getting two races completed in tricky conditions. Results here.
Next week some of the fleet head off to Lake Garda for the European Championships - hopefully, it will be as pleasant as Dublin has been all summer!
