The Friday night series concluded yesterday, Friday, June 19th. The forecast was encouraging for completing the series with 3 races; however, it did not materialise, with rain settling over Dun Laoghaire and the wind playing hide-and-seek whilst visiting all quadrants of the compass... Race officer on the day Thomas Chaix managed to run 2 races in the challenging conditions. The upwind leg may not have always been the initial leg, making it very challenging for the young sailors. Observation, reaction and concentration were key to success on the day!
The series then concluded with 8 races. The May races launched the series with great racing conditions, whilst June challenged the management teams and sailors alike.
With 30 entries, the Optimist fleet was the largest as usual, and the final day turned the tables, with the leading favourites collecting an expensive OCS disqualification in the first race. Theo Crinion and Kate Walsh made no mistake in setting the scene for a great battle on the final race with just one point separating them... Theo's 4th was enough to edge out his club teammate and his brother Felix, who, despite yet another race win, could not bridge the gap created by his earlier startline disqualification.
Series Leaders — Overall Optimist Friday Night Series winners at Dún Laoghaire after eight races. Theo Crinion secured the title ahead of brother Felix Crinion, with Kate Walsh completing the podium after a dramatic final day. Photo: David Hofler
All the other dinghies were run as one fleet before being split into 3 divisions.
With 11 entries, the RS Feva class saw great battles and close racing. Despite being absent on the day, Royal St.George YC Albert Kennedy and Dillon Tanaka just about saved their lead in the series by discarding both races. Just a point behind Alex Hoban and Amy Russel gained a place into silver, overtaking teammates Jack O Halloran and Nick Potter in the final race.
The Topper fleet included the recent silver medallist at the Southerns, Cian Farrell. In the absence of leader Dylan Hall from NYC, he made no mistake, winning both races and securing the top spot on the podium. Dylan's solid series was enough to secure him silver, and team-mate Pierse Galvin Cooney climbed to the final podium position.
Girls Rule — The Girls at the Helm Optimist podium at Dún Laoghaire, where Elena Foley claimed victory on countback from Kate Walsh, with Lauren Hoban taking third place in an all-Royal St George YC top three. Photo: David HolferThe mixed dinghy fleet was dominated by ILCA sailors, with the ever-consistent RstGYC Rachel Kavanagh taking a strong win over NYC Liam Beirne, who edged out his former RS Feva crew and friend Fionn Crowley.
The final Friday night was also an opportunity to complete the last few races of the women-at-the-helm regatta. The two races were used for the girls' helm regatta. In the optimist fleet, it went to countback with Elena Foley edging out Kate Walsh on the night. Lauren Hoban completed the podium for a RstGYC clean sweep. In the Open dinghy fleet, it was close too, with Topper girls Rebecca Healy and Alannah Whelan pushing Rachel Kavanagh, sailing her ILCA4, to up her game in race 2. Rachel took gold from Rebecca and Alannah.
Helm Heroines — Rachel Kavanagh's ILCA 4 claimed victory in the Girls at the Helm Open Dinghy division at Dún Laoghaire, finishing ahead of Topper sailors Rebecca Healy and Alannah Whelan. Photo: David Holfer
Next? The junior regattas are around the corner.
