Trinity Win the Trio in Wexford

16th October 2017

Afloat.ie Team

Over 150 sailors, representing nine colleges competed

The first IUSA team racing event of the 17/18 season took place this weekend (14th - 15th of October) in Wexford. ‘Irish University Sailing Associations Easterns,’ was held in Wexford Harbour Boat and Tennis Club, and run very successfully by University College Dublin (UCD). Over 150 sailors, representing nine colleges competed this weekend. Seven teams raced in the gold fleet, ten in silver and nine in bronze. With favourable weather conditions of 12-15 knots and an ample sailing area, a total of 85 races took place on Saturday. The racing continued on to Sunday, finishing up with rounds of quarter, semi and finals. All of which, Trinity took the lead in.

Trinity remain on top as they earned the winning titles in each of the three fleets. Trinity firsts were challenged by University College Cork’s (UCC) first team in the final on Sunday. Trinity worked hard to win 3 out of the 4 races. Trinity firsts were represented by Mark Bolger, Ruairi Finnegan, Conor O’Beirne, Isabelle Deladiennee, Kate O’Reilly and Charlotte Bowen. Trinity seconds took victory in the silver fleet represented by Caitlin Waters, Sandy Aplin, Douglas Elmes, Sophie Whelton, Maeve Lavelle and Susannah Mollen. Trinity sixths earned the win in bronze fleet, represented by Aonghus Byrne, Alex Walsh, Conor Twohig, Camila Kelly, Grainne Young and Meg Tyrrell. All teams were challenged throughout the competition from stiff competition in the form of UCCs 5 teams that sailed well throughout.

Trinity’s long line of results continues having won varsities in Clifden in March of last year. Trinity lost many star sailors at the end of last year and the results from this weekend display the strength and depth that has been built up over the last couple of years. Despite the lack of fully functioning boats to train in Trinity have played the cards they have been dealt and found alternative ways to practice with events such as the Dun Laoghaire Team Racing League which was set up by Trinity at the end of September with support from the Royal St George Yacht club. Securing sponsorship for new boats, to help maintain the standard is the college teams highest priority at the moment.

Published in Team Racing

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Team Racing

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About Team Racing

Team racing in sailing is an exciting, strategy-focused format where two teams, usually with three boats each, compete to achieve the best combined score by the end of the race. Unlike fleet racing, where individual performance matters most, team racing emphasises teamwork, tactics, and boat positioning to outmanoeuvre the opposing team.

Each team typically has three boats, often two-person dinghies like the Firefly class. The boats from each team are distinguished by their unique sail colours or numbers.

Points are assigned to finishing positions, with 1 point for 1st place, 2 points for 2nd place, and so on. The team with the lowest combined score wins. The target is to achieve a "winning combination" of points. In a six-boat race (three per team), winning combinations include scores like 10 points or less for a 1-2-6 or a 2-3-5 finish.

Teams can slow down or block opposing boats, especially in an advantageous position. A boat ahead can "cover" an opponent, manoeuvring to block the wind and slow them down.

Teams often employ manoeuvres to help slower boats catch up or pass opponents, switching positions if needed. This keeps the team in a winning configuration.

At key turning points, boats can execute mark traps, where they intentionally slow down or position themselves to block opponents, forcing them into bad turns or causing them to lose speed.

Team racing follows standard sailing rules but with some additions tailored to team tactics. For example, a "fouling" boat (one that breaks a rule) must complete a penalty turn or even multiple turns, depending on the rule violation. Penalty management is crucial as it can make or break a team's success in the race.

Constant communication is key as team members coordinate strategies, adjust for wind shifts, and adapt to changes in the race. They signal intentions, warn of opponents' moves, and ensure every team member’s position is optimized.

In short, team racing combines fast-paced sailing with strategic teamwork. While speed is essential, winning often depends more on positioning, communication, and the ability to execute effective tactics as a team.

THE IRISH TEAM RACING ASSOCIATION CALENDAR 2024