After the Squib Eastern Championships were blown out in early September, the opportunity arose to stage a condensed re-run of the event as part of the Freshwater Keelboat Regatta hosted by Lough Derg Yacht Club (LDYC) this past weekend. The wind gods once again tested competitors’ patience — this time with light and fickle airs — but ultimately granted a valuable window on Sunday to allow some racing to take place.
The decision to run the event in a short format proved to be an inspired one, allowing the presentation of the Perpetual Trophies rather than leaving them idle over the winter months. The organisers expressed their thanks to the LDYC team for their flexibility and support in accommodating the event.
As Afloat reported earlier, over two races, it was Kerfuffle (37), sailed by the long-standing Howth Yacht Club crew of Emmet Dalton and Neal Merry, who emerged as overall champions. They were followed in second place by Atomic (137), sailed by Ian Travers and Keith O’Riordan representing Kinsale Yacht Club, while Kaizen (882), helmed by Ronan Mac Donell with Noel Colclough under the Howth Yacht Club burgee, completed the podium.
In the Silver Fleet, honours went to Supersonic (94), sailed by the LDYC team of David Adley and owner Patrick Birdthistle. They took home the newly commissioned Squib half-model trophy and have the distinction of being the first team to have their names engraved on its brass plate.
Race victories were shared on the day. Ruby Blue (35), sailed by Aidan O’Connell and Lauren Donaghy from Royal Irish Yacht Club (RIYC), controlled Race 1 from the starting signal, while Femme Fatale (24), sailed by Vincent Delany and Joe O’Byrne representing LDYC and RStGYC, showed composure and precision to claim victory in Race 2 under extremely variable conditions.
There was disappointment for Prodigal (146), sailed by Greg Bell and Roger Pannell, who looked dominant early on before a late breeze filled from behind, turning the downwind gate into a crowded affair and shaking up the order.
According to the class, John Leech and his LDYC race management team were commended for their commitment and professionalism in securing racing despite challenging conditions.
Vincent Delany has updated his unofficial Squib ladder after the event that shows some competitive shifts as Afloat reports here
