A tremendous welcome was extended to the Rankin Dinghy Class by Royal Cork Yacht Club last weekend at its DinghyFest Regatta.
The largest fleet of Rankins ever gathered for the event. 21 boats assembled in the dinghy park, with 20 taking part in the racing.
This turned out to be the biggest participation from any dinghy fleet entered in the event.
A contrast in styles as Rankins sail with other dinghy classes at DinghyFest Photo: Bob Bateman
A sincere thank you to the boat owners who made this such a successful weekend.
A special mention must go to those who for various reasons could not sail their boats and handed them over to other sailors. Tom Dwyer, Ruari Allen, David Doyle, Dominic Losty, the Scott family and Damien Aherne showed this generosity which boosted the numbers and gave others the experience of sailing these lovely boats.
Rankin owners and participants
The two days sailing were a joy with beautiful weather and racing conditions.
Saturday racing comprised of three races, sailed on the Curlane bank, at the back of Spike.
The fleet seemed to enjoy the competitive aspect of the racing regardless of their experience or boat condition.
After Saturday's results had been tabulated Conor and Robbie English were in Pole position with Ewan O Keeffe, The Cliodhna, The Helga and a number of others in hot pursuit.
Dave O’Keefe with son Ewan Photo: Bob Bateman
Sunday's racing involved two races sailed in a beautiful breeze, once it filled in from the west.
A race on the Curlane bank was followed by our last race of the weekend. This comprised of a race around a few cans, with an upriver finish off the Marina at RCYC.
Owen O’Connell and Mike O’Callaghan sailing Helga sailing one of the earlier cold moulded RankinsHelga sailing one of the earlier cold moulded Rankins Photo: Bob Bateman
This was a great bit of racing with Rankins going nip and tuck into a flukey headwind to finish at the clubhouse.
Overall results more or less followed Saturday's form so a huge congratulations to the English brothers who are the official 2019 Rankin World Champions. Their father Joe, who himself had a great love of the Rankin boat, would be very proud.
Ewan O Keeffe, crewed by his dad Dave was a good second with Maurice Kidney, crewed by Stephen Barry given third based on a countback with Daniel O'
Connell sailing the Cliodhna.
Discussing the finer points of Rankin Build Quality are John Doyle and Owen O’Connell Photo: Bob Bateman
To add to the fun and commitment of the English family, April English, crewing for Mark Bushe on Tom Dwyer's Rankin, both sailed and swam during the
race series. Well done April.
April English keeps a watchful eye out sailing in the Harbour race with Mark Bushe Photo: Bob Bateman
Outside of the official prize-giving, a number of presentations were made within the group.
Sienna Mills got an award for being the youngest participant.
Sienna Mills, the youngest Rankin competitor Photo: Bob Bateman
Elaine Moynihan and Fiona O'Connell sailing KevDec got best placed female crew and the Scott family got an award for the most travelled boat.
James and Fionn Burke were the deserving winner of the 2019 Rankin Spirit award for their unfailing enthusiasm and commitment to Class activities
since it's formation in 2014.
James and Fionn Burke winners of “The Rankin Spirit Award” with Conor English and Maurice Kidney
This award has had past winners in Jonny Wigham, Bud O Connell and Owen O'Connell. They are in distinguished company. Well done to James and Fionn.
All in all a very successful completion of the official class activities for 2019.
With thanks to Maurice Kidney
