Kinsale Yacht Club

04 February, 2010

Despite a significant wind shift requiring a course adjustment after the first race, the persistent North-Westerly offered the opportunity for windward-leeward courses that used the full extent of Kinsale Harbour. While the tidal effect was minimal during the first race, its effect became increasingly apparent in subsequent races.

The combined Laser Fleet of the Standard, Radial and 4.7s got the day’s racing underway, heading into a twelve to fifteen knot breeze that cycled fifteen degrees either side of the course. The boatspeed of the Radial sailors in these conditions was evident, as they were very much in contention against the larger standard rigs, with Luke Hevers (RCYC) and Neil Bermingham (KYC), in particular, finishing in close proximity to the leading Standard rigs in Races One and Two.

Competing in the Laser Standard Class, Ronan Kenneally (MBSC) set the pace with a first and two seconds in the three races, and finished as the leading Standard on a total of 4.75 points.

Charles Dwyer (MBSC) despite his early form with a second and a third, due to a DNC in the final race slipped to sixth overall. Mark Mulrooney (TBSC) and Paul O’Sullivan (MBSC) having scored a win each are respectively in second and third overall.

In the Radial Class, Luke Hevers (RCYC) despite his excellent showing with a win in the first race and two subsequent seconds had to accept a second placing overall, as Neil Bermingham (KYC) dramatically overtook the fleet gaining overall honours with two wins in races two and three.

John Flynn (DHSC) was unmatched in the 4.7 Class, as he surged ahead into an overall lead with three straight bullets. John showed remarkable ability in his reading of the course in a third race strongly influenced by the flooding tide. Making all the right decisions, John managed to take his 4.7 into contention overall with the leading Radial and Standard boats. Darragh O’Sullivan (KYC) sailing consistently, with two seconds and a third is in second place overall.

Mike Field and Victor Fusco (KYC) in the Squib Class set down an early marker for the series taking the overall lead on 5.5 points as they received line honours in the first two races. Alex Ballot and Michael Hickey (Dungarvan) as defending champions managed to stay in touch with the leaders scoring 7.75 points overall. Showing steady progression, with a second finish in the second race, they went on to take the win in style in the final race. Paul McCarthy and Ruth Fusco (KYC) showing excellent form with a second and two thirds are not far behind on eight points overall; while Mathilde Campbell and Sylvia Curtis (KYC) with a well deserved second in the last race are in fourth position.

While the KYC Frostbite series continues to offer strong competition in the Laser and Squib classes; the Mixed Dinghy Fleet offers its own particular challenges as the number and style of craft dramatically increases, adding to the colourful spectacle on the water. Indicating the growing local interest in skiff style sailing; 29er, 49er, RS 500 and Laser 5000 boats have been added to the already varied fleet. Despite the threat posed by the new faster boats, it was the experience and handling of Cian O’Regan and crew Scott Flannigan (KYC) in their 420, who were the overall leaders after day one, as they scored a second and two firsts. Laura and Louise McCarthy (RCYC), also in a 420 are in second place overall scoring a third and two seconds. Though Dave Kenefick and Peter Bermingham (RCYC/KYC) in their 49er, after a win in first race looked to be the pairing that would threaten the traditional dinghies, due to a capsize leading to gear failure they were forced to retire from the last two races.

Séamus McLaverty.

Results
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