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Breezy conditions which had a strong northwesterly at times tested the fleets in action in the first day of this weekend’s Royal Cork Yacht Club ‘At Home’ regatta on Saturday (26 August).

Our own Bob Bateman reports that the proposed format change that would have seen some fleets racing from Blackrock did not happen, with ILCAs and Toppers spotted returning to the club.

The National 18 class had a sprint series which consisted of three races on the Curlane Bank, where they were joined by mixed dinghies, two 29ers, a few 420s and an RS 200.

Clear leader on the day was Nacho Boat, helmed by Charles Dwyer, with three bullets. Second and third on the leaderboard respectively are Aquadisiacs (helmed by Colin Chapman) and Peaky Blinders (Ronan Walsh), both on 10 nett points.

Bob Bateman's RCYC 'At Home' 2023 Photo Gallery 

Published in Royal Cork YC
Tagged under

The final day of Royal Cork Yacht Club's 'At Home' was a day to remember writes Bob Bateman. With temperatures in the mid–twenties, there was plenty of activity afloat and ashore. Adults and children alike soaked up the party atmosphere on the club lawn that followed two days of dinghy and keelboat racing on the water.

The cruiser fleet featured racing that included courses from bygone days. Classes one, two and raced out to the Cork buoy while the White Sail fleet took a scenic course around Ringabella Bay.

Rear–Admiral Kieran O’Connell took a hands–on approach to Race Officer duties, alternating between Harmony as starting vessel and a club RIB when he was required to finish the various fleets.

Meanwhile, former Admiral David O’Brien acted as PRO for the Irish National Championships of the National Eighteen class which included nine of the new Ultra designs. On Sunday, sailing in Cork Harbour on the Eastern Bank, the 18s got a much more comfortable day than was experienced on Saturday. Comfortable maybe, but no less competitive, it’s a fleet in which no quarter is expected or given on the water. The three–man dinghy fleet got in three good races in the north westerly wind. Nobody could match Ewen Barry, Stan Browne and Dion Barrett for consistency and they took the National title. See report here.

The Optimists and mixed dinghies were out in force on the Curlane Bank with hardworking race officers Andrew Crosbie and Robert Foster running the show. This was no easy task with moe than one general recall.. The Optimist Copper fleet were also out and it was great to see so many up and coming sailors getting to race. The Flipper club were taking to sea in club ribs to watch the racing and a bit of wave hopping was reported too.

Back on shore, the crab competition was underway for the under–tens, and there was a rush for the dining room was made when it was announced that the Lady Admiral Gwen Roche was about to serve afternoon tea.

Following this, there was a dignified Boules match compèred by Dave Power. Much to the delight of the spectators, Ted Crosbie emerged as winner.

After face painting, a bouncing castle and treats for the children a  tug–o–war competition was supervised by Doctor McCarthy. At the prizegiving Admiral John Roche welcomed sponsors Mater Private Cork and Doctor Oisin Powell and Mr. Paul Kiely, of The Mater Private, presented the 'At Home' prizes for 2016.

Published in Royal Cork YC
Cove Sailing Club's 'At Home' Regatta was held today in Cork Harbour. The start was off the Cobh Promenade with a prizegiving afterwards in The Marlogue Inn. Afloat's Bob Bateman captured the action afloat. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS!
Published in Cork Harbour

The Half Ton Class was created by the Offshore Racing Council for boats within the racing band not exceeding 22'-0". The ORC decided that the rule should "....permit the development of seaworthy offshore racing yachts...The Council will endeavour to protect the majority of the existing IOR fleet from rapid obsolescence caused by ....developments which produce increased performance without corresponding changes in ratings..."

When first introduced the IOR rule was perfectly adequate for rating boats in existence at that time. However yacht designers naturally examined the rule to seize upon any advantage they could find, the most noticeable of which has been a reduction in displacement and a return to fractional rigs.

After 1993, when the IOR Mk.III rule reached it termination due to lack of people building new boats, the rule was replaced by the CHS (Channel) Handicap system which in turn developed into the IRC system now used.

The IRC handicap system operates by a secret formula which tries to develop boats which are 'Cruising type' of relatively heavy boats with good internal accommodation. It tends to penalise boats with excessive stability or excessive sail area.

Competitions

The most significant events for the Half Ton Class has been the annual Half Ton Cup which was sailed under the IOR rules until 1993. More recently this has been replaced with the Half Ton Classics Cup. The venue of the event moved from continent to continent with over-representation on French or British ports. In later years the event is held biennially. Initially, it was proposed to hold events in Ireland, Britain and France by rotation. However, it was the Belgians who took the ball and ran with it. The Class is now managed from Belgium. 

At A Glance – Half Ton Classics Cup Winners

  • 2017 – Kinsale – Swuzzlebubble – Phil Plumtree – Farr 1977
  • 2016 – Falmouth – Swuzzlebubble – Greg Peck – Farr 1977
  • 2015 – Nieuwport – Checkmate XV – David Cullen – Humphreys 1985
  • 2014 – St Quay Portrieux – Swuzzlebubble – Peter Morton – Farr 1977
  • 2013 – Boulogne – Checkmate XV – Nigel Biggs – Humphreys 1985
  • 2011 – Cowes – Chimp – Michael Kershaw – Berret 1978
  • 2009 – Nieuwpoort – Général Tapioca – Philippe Pilate – Berret 1978
  • 2007 – Dun Laoghaire – Henri-Lloyd Harmony – Nigel Biggs – Humphreys 1980~
  • 2005 – Dinard – Gingko – Patrick Lobrichon – Mauric 1968
  • 2003 – Nieuwpoort – Général Tapioca – Philippe Pilate – Berret 1978

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