After a two-decade absence, multihulls returned to Lough Derg for the annual Castle Regatta. Their arrival drew excitement from local sailors as they competed alongside a strong fleet of Shannon One Designs and Squibs.
On Saturday, competitors faced ideal conditions with winds between Force 3 and 5. They began the 25 km transit race from Dromineer to Terryglass, navigating through the narrow Ultraa Channel and across Coose Bay.
The leading multihulls included teams such as Adrian Allen and Barry Swanston from Ballyholme YC, Yannick Lemmonnier and Laurik Mathieu from Galway Bay. Despite early challenges, including a capsize by one of the Spitfires, the race remained competitive.
The top finishers were remarkably close. After 55 minutes, only three seconds separated the first two boats. Following a brief lunch at Terryglass, the fleet prepared for their return journey, again racing against the clock with little time to spare.
Day two saw an adjustment in format and lighter winds. Race 3 was won by the 2020 team, while Spitfires displayed improved performance due to a new spinnaker. As the wind shifted, the fleet was caught in a becalmed situation, creating dramatic near-finishes.
