The Mermaids were hosted at the National Yacht Club for Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta and got the full schedule of nine races completed from Thursday to Sunday (July 10-13) in the Salthill race area. The class makes a special mention of its Salthill, Dublin Bay race officer, David Wilkins, and team, who ran an 'exceptionally professional operation', which made for a very enjoyable few days on the water.
Race Officer David Wilkins on the VDLR Salthill course Photo: Michael Chester
The event was won overall by ‘102 Endeavour’ from Rush Sailing Club helmed by Darach Dineen with crew Max Dineen/Alan O’Rourke, and Breda Magner. Second place went to ‘134 Jill’ from the Royal Irish Yacht Club, helmed by Paul Smith with crew Pat Mangan and Ailbhe Smith. Third place went to ‘119 Three Chevrons’ from Foynes Yacht Club helmed by Vincent McCormack with crew Roisin McCormack and Michael Lynch.
Volvo Dun Laoghaire winners - ‘102 Endeavour’ from Rush Sailing Club helmed by Darach Dineen with crew Max Dineen/Alan O’Rourke and Breda Magner Photo: Michael Chester
The timing of the event offered the Mermaids a great chance for four days of racing practice in the run up to the Dublin Bay Mermaid National Championships being held at Wexford Harbour Boat & Tennis club from the 30th July - 2nd August.
