FOYNES Yacht Club hosted the Dubarry West Coast Superleague incorporating the Estuary Bell race last weekend in the Cooleen Point based yacht club. Craft from as far away as Clifden, Co. Galway, the Western Yacht Club, Kilrush travelled on land and water to participate, which was an eventful one for all.
The West of Ireland Offshore Racing Association Commodore, Simon McGibney was very pleased with the outcome and the organisation of the event, and said it will be on the calendar for many years to come. ‘It is fantastic to see large fleets of craft in the different categories racing and enjoying themselves on the Shannon Estuary’, said Simon.
The event was supposed to kick-off on Saturday with two races, but unfortunately proceedings had to be cancelled due to the gale force winds that prevailed for much of the day.
Officer of the Day, Randall Counihan from WYC made a very wise decision to cancel on Saturday. Randall did a superb job in ensuring that the championships got under way without a hitch.
On Sunday the weather was much better with the winds abated, and with only a 9 to 11 knots breeze ensured that racing was going ahead.
A total of three races were raced on the course, which was windward/leeward and set ‘up-river’. The last race was around the cans on the Clare shoreline.
The Estuary Bell was won by Donal McCormack and John-Paul Buckley FYC, on Battle. Incidentally, they won the same trophy last year in Kilrush, not bad for two in a row.
After the a total of three races the state of play is as follows: In class 1 IRC the Foynes team on the Dexterity took the laurels, followed closely by Chaos skippered by T and K Whelan from the WYC and third was also another WYC boat, Marissa IX skippered by Rob Allen.
In the Echo class, Marissa XI took first spot, with Dexterity, team Foynes second, and third Chaos, T and K Whelan.
In class 2 IRC, Hallmark, Clifden BC, were first past the post. Dis-a-ray WYC, Ray McGibney and Battle FYC, McCormack/Buckley.
In the Echo system, class 2 Battle FYC took the laurels. Second was Hallmark, CBC and third was Dis-a-ray, WYC.
In the White Sails the placings were Derek Dillon on the Dehler 34, Big Deel FYC, who came first, and second was club commodore, Pat Finucane on the Shamrock, Marengo.
Three Laser SB3’s also raced with the Class 1 cruisers on the day and the light airs suited this very light and fast boat. First to take top prize was CBA, MacNamara/Hegarty. Second was Commotion, Declan Hartnett and third was a former winner of the Sydney/Hobart yacht race, Ger O’Rourke on Chieftain.
At the presentation of prizes Commodore Finucane praised the organising committee on the efficient manner in which the proceedings went and said that the club would be happy to host another West Coast competition.
All clubs brought some silverware home, where the racing was competitive for all the classes.
Elaine O’Mahoney was the Chef de Partie, who used her culinary skills to great effect in cooking and preparing the ‘finger food’ for the hungry crews after racing, while Brendan Buckley looked after the bar.
The mark laying rib was manned by Jessica Moriarty, Derek Lane and Jonathan Moriarty.
Thanks to safety officer, Ger Reidy on making his boat, Sea Otter available for the committee boat.
The next event for WIORA is the OSM 100 mile race from Fenit on June 15. This event is hosted by Tralee Bay Sailing Club and this is for all classes.
On July 4 to 7 Clifden Boat Club will have the West Coast Championships for the Sigma 33 Cup, X Yachts Cup, Beneteau Cup and many other prestigious prizes. More information on this event from event organiser, Paul Ryan on (087) 2931819 or www.wiora.org or www.clifdenboatclub.com. This is for class 1, 2, White Sails and the IRC and Echo handicap system applies
