Puffin, sailed by Seán and Heather Craig, led from the opening beat to win Wednesday evening's (July 8) AIB DBSC Water Wags race inside Dún Laoghaire Harbour.
Twenty-five Water Wags turned out for the race, which also counted for the Commemoration Trophies in Divisions 1A and 2, and the Meldon Trophy in Division 1B. Water Wag No. 56 returned to the Royal Irish Yacht Club before the start after suffering gear failure, leaving 24 boats to race.
Race Officer Tadgh Donnelly set a four-lap windward-leeward course in south-easterly winds of 12–14 knots and glorious sunshine.
John O’Driscoll and Sarah Dwyer sailing Moosmie (no. 15) led at the first windward mark, with Sean and Heather Craig, sailing Puffin (No. 52), closely following. Mike and Ian Magowan sailing Mary Kate (no. 6) were in third place. Craig passed O’Driscoll on the run and led at the first leeward gate rounding.
By the halfway stage, Puffin had stretched its advantage to one minute over Moosmie. The leaders extended that margin again over the final two laps to finish just over two minutes clear, while Mary Kate maintained third place throughout.
The fleet gathered afterwards for the traditional après-sail at the National Yacht Club.
Top Three
- Puffin (No. 52) – Seán & Heather Craig
- Moosmie (No. 15) – John O'Driscoll & Sarah Dwyer
- Mary Kate (No. 6) – Mike & Ian Magowan
