Despite a less than favourable forecast, boats from eight clubs from all over Ireland, Cork to Cushendall, competed in the Glens of Antrim Crisps RS Feva Northern Championships.
Saturday morning brought a good sailing day. As the forecast for Sunday put sailing in doubt, the Race Officer made the decision to run four races.
Racing started on time with a windward-leeward course. The pattern of the event quickly established with sisters Emily and Annabel Ridout leading from the start and proving all but uncatchable. A trio of 3 boats, all from Ballyholme YC, were left to contest the minor places. Only Jessica Dadley-Young and Sally Nixon, winning race 3, were able to spoil the Ridout sisters' run of first places.
A start at the RS Feva Northern Championships
Sunday proved to be a better day than the forecast, still a challenging day for the sailors, the strong North wind overnight had left waves, combining with a North flowing tide made beating tricky but created excellent surfing conditions downwind. The conditions provided opportunities for the chasing pack, but again the sisters were in a separate class, winning both races.
Emily and Annabel were RS Feva Northern Champions, 5 wins and a 2nd as a discard.
The RS Feva Northern Championship winners, sisters Emily and Annabel Ridout
The best local boat award went to Dylan Nutt and Conor McKillop.
The class secretary said after the event: "Thanks to the whole team for hosting such a fantastic, well run and welcoming regatta. We are also grateful to the shore team for their support and the catering team for the delicious hot food, scones and brownies. Warming up by the roaring open fire in the clubhouse will be remembered as a real highlight. A wonderful way to end the season."
