Kennedy and Kane are Flying Fifteen Northern Champions at Killyleagh

17th June 2024

Afloat.ie Team

The start of race two at the Flying Fifteen Northern Champions at Killyleagh Yacht Club on Strangford Lough

The start of race two at the Flying Fifteen Northern Championships at Killyleagh Yacht Club on Strangford Lough

Ten boats lined up on the start line for the Flying Fifteen Northern Championships 2024, held on June 15th and 16th at Killyleagh Yacht Club, on Strangford Lough.

The first day of racing began with calm winds and shifting breezes, challenging the sailors' tactics. The first race saw the wind dying down significantly, prompting the Principal Race Officer (PRO) to conclude the race after just one lap. Shane McCarthy and Jeremy Rodgers (PSC) made the most of the conditions, crossing the finish line first.

The wind picked up for the second race as the day progressed, resulting in a tightly packed fleet at the windward mark. The competition intensified on the downwind leg, with all boats vying for the best streams of breeze. Brian Willis and John McPeak (CAYC) navigated these conditions best, securing victory in the two-lap race.

The day's final race mirrored the excitement of the second, with sailors playing the shifts and remaining tightly bunched. Stuart Harrison (PSC) capitalised on his strategic positioning during the second beat, negotiating the shifts to clinch the win in the third race.

Tight racing downwind at the ten-boat Flying Fifteen Northern Championships at Killyleagh Yacht Club on Strangford Lough

Sunday brought stronger winds, adding to the thrill of the competition. PRO Scott Rodgers orchestrated two three-lap races, maintaining a swift pace between races.

The fourth race commenced with a dramatic wind shift right at the start, causing the fleet to tack onto port and head right. As on the first day, capitalising on the shifts was crucial, leading to frequent changes in fleet positions. Locals Andrew McCleery and Colin Dougan (KYC) triumphed after an exciting final downwind leg, showcasing their local knowledge and skill.

Peter Kennedy and Stephen Kane (SLYC & RNIYC) won the event's final race, capping off a weekend of intense competition.

Kennedy and Kane of Team Ridgeway (SLYC) won on eight points. Local sailors McCleery and Dougan (KYC) claimed the runner-up position, with Willis and McPeak (CAYC) securing third place.

Flying Fifteen Northern Championship podium at Killyleagh Yacht Club: Andrew McCleery and Colin Dougan, Peter Kennedy and Stephen Kane, and Brian Willis and John McPeak

Killyleagh Yacht Club Northern Flying Fifteen Championships 2024

Downloads

FF Northerns 2024.pdf (42 Downloads)

Published in Flying Fifteen, Northern Ireland Waters

Published in Flying Fifteen

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Flying Fifteen

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