The first AIB DBSC Water Wag race of the 2026 season drew 18 boats to Dublin Bay on Wednesday, April 29.
A north-north-east wind of 12 knots, gusting 18, set the tone for the opener. Class captain Tim Pearson advised all crews to reef ahead of racing.
Race officer Tadgh Donnelly, aboard the DBSC committee boat Corinthian, set a three-round windward-leeward course. The breeze eased to 9–13 knots before the start.
Following a five-minute postponement, the fleet got away cleanly.
Fleet Focus: Water Wags spread across Dublin Bay under blue skies as 18 boats contest the 2026 DBSC season opener in a steady NNE breeze, crews settling into early-race rhythm Photo: Brendan Briscoe
Judy O’Beirne, sailing Jenny Wren, led at the first weather mark. She was followed by John O’Driscoll in Moosmie and newcomer Neil Colin in Shindilla.
O’Driscoll took the lead on the second lap. Guy Kilroy, sailing Swift, moved into third behind O’Beirne.
At the final weather mark, the top two held position while Seán Craig, in Puffin, climbed into third.
O’Driscoll maintained control to take the win. On the final beat, Craig edged past O’Beirne to secure second place on the line.
Close Contest: Puffin and Jenny Wren converge at the mark in a tight duel for podium places, with second decided on the final beat in the DBSC Water Wags opener Photo: Brendan Briscoe
Racing concluded with crews returning ashore to the Royal St George Yacht Club for post-race refreshments.
Top Three Results:
- No 15 Moosmie — John O’Driscoll & Shirley Gilmore
- No 52 Puffin — Seán & Heather Craig
- No 55 Jenny Wren — Judy & Grace O’Beirne
