Northern Ireland duo Robert Espey and Michael Ferguson from Ballyholme Yacht Club lead overall at the Belfast Lough-hosted RS400 dinghy Eurocup and UK/Irish National Championships, which began at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club on Monday.
Day 1 saw racing abandoned due to severe weather. Winds reached 72 mph, causing Belfast Lough to become unmanageable. Sailors took cover while many turned to the Titanic Museum.
On Day 2, conditions improved, allowing the championship to kick off after a three-hour delay. Winds settled to 18-26 knots, prompting Race 1 to begin.
Robert Espey and Michael Ferguson from Ballyholme Yacht Club set the pace, starting with 1st place bibs. They led the race from start to finish. “It was an audacious move, but it paid off,” remarked a spectator.
Ollie Groves and Esther Parkhurst from Beaver Sailing Club in action at the Belfast Lough-hosted RS400 dinghy Eurocup and UK/Irish National Championships Photo: Thomas Anderson
Chris Eames and Rachel Tiley from Queen Mary Sailing Club recovered from an OCS start to secure second place. Meanwhile, Ollie Groves and Esther Parkhurst from Beaver Sailing Club thought they’d finished third but were disqualified for an OCS violation, allowing Robert Dickson and Adam Hyland from Howth Yacht Club to take the spot.
The challenging weather caused numerous boats to struggle, leading to dramatic capsizes. Youth team Andrew and Leon Mullaly notably impressed with a synchronised exit through the sails.
Download results below
