Wednesday, September 2nd was the first of four September AIB DBSC races scheduled before the Water Wag season concludes on September 23rd.
The 27-strong fleet turned out to compete for the Newsom Memorial Cup 2nd Tie for Division 1A, the Hilpotsteiner Tankard for Division 1B, and the Phyllis Cup for Division 2.
Race Officer Tadgh Donnelly set a two-lap windward/leeward course in a light westerly wind. With a minute to go to the start, Donnelly called for the AP due to a 40-degree wind shift.
Donnelly relaid the start line and weather mark and got the race underway.
First to the weather mark was John O’Driscoll sailing Moosmie, followed by Polly, sailed by Richard Mossop, and Shindilla, sailed by Conor O’Leary.
By lap two, Seán Craig, sailing Puffin, had climbed to second from fifth, while Judy O’Beirne had moved up three places to third.
Newcomer to the fleet Barbara, owned by Jo Peare, had a great start to her first race, with class president Gail Varian at the helm. They rounded the first weather mark in fourth place and finished eighth. Barbara, number 8, was previously owned by Ian Malcolm from Howth.
The top three maintained their positions on the downwind leg and the final beat to the finish.
The crews retired to the Royal Irish Yacht Club for après-sail refreshments.
Top three finishers:
- Moosmie No. 15 — John O’Driscoll & Sarah Dwyer
- Puffin No. 52 — Seán & Heather Craig
- Jenny Wren No. 55 — Judy & Helen O’Beirne
