The Water Wag dinghy fleet in Dun Laoghaire competed in the second race of their 132nd season of one design racing on Wednesday 1st May.

Three prizes were on offer, division 1A raced the second of three legs for the Newsom Memorial Cup, Division 1B for the Hilpotsteiner Tankard, and division 2 for the Phyllis Cup. Early in the season, one would not expect a large turnout, due to delays in the preparation and varnishing of the wooden boats.

"twenty-eight boats arrived at the start line"

However, the keenness of the fleet was displayed by twenty-eight boats arriving at the start line. The wind blew from the west at about seven knots. The first start with Tortoise and Pansy leading the fleet was declared a general recall, although the fleet were halfway up the first beat. On the second start under the ‘U’ flag on the long line many achieved good starts.

Adam Winkelmann and Doug Smith in Mademoiselle were unfortunate to have a jib halyard failure while she was in second place and was required to retire.

After three and a half laps of the harbour, over which the shifty wind progressively increased to 15 knots at the finish the order was:

Mariposa Cathy MacAleavey and Con Murphy winner div 1A,
Moosmie, Swift, Tortoise, Gavotte, Mollie, Pansy, Barbara,
Little Tern Tim and Marcus Pearson, winner div 1B,
Peggy, Marie Louise, Skee, Scallywag,
Swallow, David and Anne Clarke winner division 2 ,
Vela, Sara, Phyllis, Good Hope, Freddie, Mary Kate, Eva, Polly, Dipper, Sprite, Nandor, and Chloe.

Mademoiselle and Penelope retired.

Next week will be a handicap pursuit race.