Howth Yacht Club's Harry Dunne has a four-point margin at the top of the Optimist Irish National Championships at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Belfast Lough.
Gemma Brady of the National Yacht Club and Lough Derg lies second on ten, with Charlotte Crosbie from Spain's CN Javae lying third in the 38-boat main fleet.
See results below
With no racing but a nonetheless eventful day on the second day, the fleet was eager to get going on Saturday. As Sorm Betty left its mark on the country, PRO Ruan O’Tiarnaigh made a sensible call and told the fleet to stay in bed until at least lunchtime!
The afternoon tested the patience of race officials and sailors alike, but finally, at 15.30, the fleet took to the water, and Ballyholme shone again at its finest.
The main fleet was treated to two races in a gusty southerly breeze while the Racing Regatta fleet clocked in four highly competitive and enjoyable races.
The steady progress of the sailors' Racing Regatta was clear for all to see with the windward leg right in front of the clubhouse.
It was a busy day too for the Coached Regatta fleet, and while their Oppies might have stayed under the covers, IODAI coach Sophie Gorman had them off on adventures all around Ballyholme Bay.
Whilst it was a long day, much fun was had, so at the end day, there were 128 tired sailors tucked up in bed, eagerly awaiting slightly lighter conditions for their final day’s sailing.
