Cameron Good, Simon Furney and Henry Kingston pictured here receiving the Irish East Coast Championship Trophy sailing their nearly new Petticrow Dragon IRL 211 “Little Fella”, after a very fresh and lively weekend sailing in the famous Dublin Bay….. Although only 11 boats took part in this top annual event, the racing was of the highest standard, despite a very rough and wet couple of days…..
With the Irish economy, like many others, struggling these days it was great to see that some of the Kinsale Fleet made the effort to travel up to Dublin, whilst (KIN) Simon Brien was again the lone representative travelling down from the opposite direction to support this prestigious event this year being hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire. As the wind was strong IRL 211 may have had an edge on the fleet as they were the only Irish representatives to attend Douarnenez this year. The practice gained from a big regatta such as this will always give a team the vital time on the water and a chance to tune their boat against the Worlds best ! It also gives an air of confidence with all of the manoeuvres that are always so critical in strong winds……. Indeed this was proven by the team winning the event despite not winning a race. Consistent sailing is the name of the game. The picture shows Henry, Cameron and Simon with the Trophy. Well Done!
Two races took place on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday the wind was 30+ kts and so sensibly cancelled by experienced Race Officer Jack Roy. So overall IRL 211 was 1st. Richard Goodbody from the host club was 2nd and Simon Brien from the Royal Northern Yacht Club was 3rd… All eyes now focus on Kinsale for the Nationals in August, but also as hosts for the Gold Cup next year in 2012……
Higher, Faster, Longer…………. Stavros.