On Saturday, George Radley Jr's Skipper 70 Pat Mustard won the Moonduster Trophy in Cove Sailing Club's Cobh to Blackrock Race in Cork Harbour.
Radley finished the 6.5 nautical miles course in a corrected time of one hour, 12 minutes and 30 seconds, approximately two minutes ahead of Micheal McCann's Etchells 22 Don't Dilly Dally on 1:14:27 corr.
Third was Tom MacSweeney of this parish in the Sigma 33, Scribbler II, 1:19:10 corrected.
George Radley Jr's Pat Mustard gets ahead under her blue spinnaker in the opening stages of a light airs edition of Cove Sailing Club's Cobh to Blackrock Race 2023 Photo: Bob Bateman
The annual race encountered some setbacks despite initial plans for three starts and arrival in Cork city for the Ireland-Romania World Cup Rugby Match.
Unfortunately, the lack of wind disrupted these plans, causing a delay of about an hour. However, hardworking Cove Sailing Club Commodore Dominic Losty hoisted the postponement flag, and everyone waited patiently.
George Radley Jr's Skipper 70 Pat Mustard crew are presented with the Moonduster Trophy for their IRC overall win in Cove Sailing Club's Cobh to Blackrock Race in Cork Harbour
Thankfully, Dom announced that pressure was heading the fleet's way over the VHF radio, and as this is a race that requires a flood tide, all fleets started together, creating a grand spectacle off Cobh.
A grand spectacle - the Cobh to Blackrock race fleet depart Cobh Photo: Bob Bateman
McCann in the Etchells 22 showed great determination by getting a great start, followed by the IOR design Bataleur 88, with Radley sneaking in behind on the Skipper 70, flying a blue spinnaker.
Little and large - The 2023 Cobh to Blackrock Race fleet was an all-in affair for dinghies, one design keelboats and cruiser-racers Photo: Bob Bateman
As the yachts and dinghies made their way up the river, it became clear that the ebb tide had started, and with the light breeze, not all could make it. So, near Little Island and within sight of Blackrock, the course was shortened.
As Afloat reported previously, Cove SC opened entry for the race in August and encouraged as many boats as possible, including motor and sail, to take part in its RNLI Rally Class. Full battle dress and music are definitely encouraged.
The race is hosted in conjunction with the RNLI.
Despite the light wind setbacks, it was a grand finale to the Cove Sailing Club's Sailing Season on a beautiful day.
