Day two of the Munster Mermaid Championships at Foynes Yacht Club dawned to an overcast day however the forecasted sunshine broke through around 1100hrs and to the delight of the sailors brought with it plenty of wind. A south easterly gusty breeze of 15-18 knots shifting through 20 degrees resulted in a lot of mark moving and OOD Donal McCormack postponed racing until the wind settled down.
Race three got underway with a clear start. Early leaders Jim Carthy, Paula Carthy & Muriel Carthy on 123 Vee, Frank Browne, Frankie Brown & Oisín Finucane on 135 Cara II and local boat 161 Pearl with Noel McCormack, Mary McCormack & Cian McCormack went left on the course to gain over the rest of the fleet. At the windward mark 123 Vee had less than a boat length ahead of 135 Cara II in front of the crashing pack before a fast reach to the gybe mark.
By the top of second beat it was 123 Vee all the way as they built up a sizeable lead. Overall leader from day one 188 Innocence got buried at the start but fought back to fifth place by the second beat putting them just 0.25 points ahead of their nearest rival. At the last windward rounding 123 Vee had a comfortable lead and by the finish were clear winners. 188 Innocence climbed to fourth which gave them the overall lead. 119 Three Chevrons who had a good start but choose the less favoured side of the course on two beats came back on the third beat to take fifth in race three which held onto third place overall.
Thanks to the visiting boats from the Rush and Skerries. Looking forward to heading to Howth Yacht Club for the Dublin Bay Mermaid National Championships 4th to 7th August.
