There was a great turn out for the Day Race to M2 run in conjunction with the Royal Alfred Yacht Club. 18 boats came to the start line where RAYC Commodore, Barry McNeaney, sent the fleet off towards the M2 Buoy.
The forecast for the day was south westerlies, 15-20 knots. With the forecast the course direct to M2 and back would ideal giving a dead run out and a beat back. However, the wind backed more southerly turning the run to a tight reach and the beat into a long leg short leg affair. The tides were also ideal with north going tide at the start for three hours helping progress toward the M2.
After the start the fleet split with half gybing north and the others gybing east. When the fleet converged at the M2 the northern approach appeared to have the advantage with “Lively Lady” rounding first followed by “Tsunami”. Immediately behind them were “African Challenge”, “Jedi”, “Loose Change” and “English Mick”
The wind for the leg back to the finish was very shifty, constantly back and veering between the W, SW and S. The wind strength varied all the time from 8 knots to 22 knots and back!!!! “Lively Lady” held the front position to the finish. The beat across Dublin Bay was tricky as the winds got flukier and lighter.
“Lively Lady” held their position to cross the line first at 17.41 after nearly eight hours racing. However, not far enough ahead to prevent “Tsunami” from taking 1st Overall and 1st in Class 1. “Tsunami” managed to keep far enough ahead of “Jedi” who took 2nd Overall and 2nd in Class 1. “Lively Lady” took 3rd Overall and 3rd in Class 1. “Lula Belle” took 1st place in Class 2 ahead on “First of September” and “Guillemot”. In the Silver Fleet “African Challenge” got ahead of “Lancastrian” to win overall. "Rebellion" took 3rd place.
The next race is the Pwllheli Day Race next Saturday, starting and finishing in Pwllheli. The following Saturday is the last of the 2012 Series, The James Eadie Trophy race from Pwllheli to Dun Laoghaire and will determine the 2012 ISORA Offshore Champion. Can “Sgrech” hold their lead or can “Joker 2” overtake them in the final strait?????
This race has always been very popular and a large number of starters producing high points for the race could have a significant effect on the results of the Series. A good night is planned in Pwllheli on the Friday before the last race and, weather permitting, an “End of Series” soirée is planned in the NYC after the race.
There is a requirement for crew on some boats for the last race. Anyone interested in crewing should contact me. If there is sufficient demand, the usual “Crew Bus” will be organised for that race to bring crew travelling on the HSS from Holyhead to Pwllheli on the Friday afternoon.
On another offshore matter, the MOD70 European Tour race is coming to Dun Laoghaire and the NYC next Wednesday 5th until Sunday 9th September. These are probably the fastest sailing yachts in the world and they will be racing in Dublin Bay on Friday and Saturday before heading off on the next leg to Cascais. There will be a festival on the East Pier while the boats are there and a firework display on Friday evening. Why not come and join in the fun at the NYC!! For details follow the LINK
Peter Ryan
