Sean Craig and Puffin took the Candlelight Trophy as 18 Water Wags turned out for the concluding race of the AIB DBSC sailing season in Dún Laoghaire Harbour on Wednesday evening.
A fleet of 18 turned out for the concluding race of the AIB DBSC Water Wag sailing season on Wednesday, September 23rd, competing for the Candlelight Trophy.
Naval vessel LÉ Aoibhinn entered Dún Laoghaire Harbour at 18.20, while cruise ship Seven Seas Grandeur was tendering until 18.50.
Final Signal: The Water Wag race committee prepares for the concluding race of the season in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Photo: Brendan Briscoe
With only a one-knot breeze at the time of the start sequence, Race Officer Tadhg Donnelly called for the AP to be hoisted.
The wind increased to four knots and he set a two-lap windward/leeward course in a two-to-five-knot south-easterly breeze, getting the race away with a clean start.
Sean Craig, sailing Puffin, led at the first weather mark. Class captain Tim Pearson, sailing Little Tern, rounded second, with Judy O’Beirne on Jenny Wren third.
Evening Wags: Lights begin to show aboard some of the Water Wags as the Candlelight Trophy fleet races into the evening in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Photo: Brendan Briscoe
In the dying breeze, and with the sun down at 19.21, Donnelly shortened the course to finish at the weather mark on lap two.
Craig got the gun and was closely followed by John O’Driscoll, sailing Moosmie, with Pearson third.
The Wag crews then retired to the Royal Irish Yacht Club for après-sail refreshments.
Candlelight Trophy Top Three
- Puffin (No. 52) — Sean & Heather Craig
- Moosmie (No. 15) — John O’Driscoll & Shirley Gilmore
- Little Tern (No. 36) — Tim & Gillian Pearson
