Three Irish Mirror dinghies crossed the Irish Sea along with the large GP14 Irish contingent (on their way to the Worlds in Pwllheli)... and drove just an extra 15 kilometres down the road to Abersoch to take part in Mirror Week, the largest Mirror event of the year in the UK.
Mirror Week's concept is to offer a unique event where families can enjoy ten races over five days, right in front of the Abersoch beach, with the option to change crews between races, allowing the opportunity for young sailors to keep it fun and relaxed. Former Mirror champions from the '90s sailors and Olympians enjoy the unique and priceless opportunity to sail with their kids, battling against teenagers and kids' partnerships. If the front runners compete on newer Winder fibreglass units rigged up as race machines, it is also the opportunity to see older wooden boats still competing.
Mirror Week sailing at Abersoch in North Wales
Recent Irish Nationals runners-up Thomas and Alayna Chaix had their eyes set on the best gaffed rigged (Classic boat) trophy on their 1994 "Renaissance". The youngest partnership of the event, 9-year-old Ben Chaix and his 10 years old teammate Felix Offerman from Cornwall, sailed the Chaix Family second boat "Pocket Rocket" whilst Jane Kearney replaced her husband Ross at the helm of the fibreglass Winder boat "Fireflash". Jane had the added challenge of dealing with two crews, Eliott and Freddie, both eager to be sailing every day. The main aim was to be doing the daily second race for the changeover fun on the RIB zooming around looking for the Mirror.
Alayna and Thomas Chaix won first wooden boat and first classic rig too at 2024 Mirror Week in Abersoch
54 boats took part in the seven races (a few races were lost due to strong winds). Jane adjusted fast enough to sailing the Mirror and enjoyed a great event. Elliott was just a little disappointed not to be sailing beside his new best friend, Ted Dobson, more often despite Jane's best efforts to keep up with Ted's dad, Ian (multiple GP14 world champion). The Kearney Family concluded their event in 26th overall.
Nine-year-old Ben Chaix and his ten year old teammate Felix Offerman from Cornwall competing at 2024 Mirror Week in Abersoch
Ben and Felix completed all the races to finish 36th overall. They were rewarded with youngest partnership prizes and also performed well in the juniors category.
Thomas and Alayna dominated the gaff category from day one, shifting their focus towards trying to win the best wooden boat trophy on the final day. It was close, and the battle was still on until the final race. With a fourth to conclude their event, they managed to overtake the competition, securing 8th overall, the wooden boat trophy, and the gaffed rigged trophy, to the delight of 7-year-old Alayna.
The event was won by current world champion Ben McGrane and his daughter Evie, just about edging out Ian and Ted Dobson.
Abersoch week is not all about competition afloat. The kids had a great time on the beach, making new friends and enjoying the social activities organised by the club. BBQ, disco, and beach games made it an awesome week. There will be a larger Irish team next year! And it looks like the Kearney family might need a second boat if Ross is planning to get back helming FireFlash.
Results are here
