A fleet of 15 took to the water for Day 1 of the O’Leary Life Irish National Dragon Championship at Kinsale Yacht Club. Race 1 got underway with an easterly wind blowing 16 – 18 knots and a 2 metre swell making for heavy conditions. The local KYC fleet dominated from the off with TBD, helm James Matthews KYC, in the lead followed closely by Little Fella, helm Cameron Good KYC, hot on their heels. Serafina, helm Brian Goggin KYC, was 3rd with newcomer to the fleet, Ghost, Colm Dunne helm, in 4th. Aphrodite from Glandore Harbour Sailing Club retired following a MOB incident but happily all are well.

Race 2 and TBD was pushing the line at the start resulting in them being OCS and by the time they were able to return to restart they had lost a lot of time. However, they managed to catch the fleet and ended up with a 9th. Phantom, Neil Hegarty RStGYC, had a good start and stayed ahead of Little Fella to take line honours, Little Fella was 2nd, Ghost was 3rd and Serafina 4th.

Today ended with Little Fella lying in first place with 4 points, Phantom has 6 and Serafina and Ghost each have 7. The heavy conditions suited some boats today, but it is early in the championship and there are lighter conditions forecast for tomorrow which may suit more of the fleet. Watch this space!

Photo courtesy Robert Bateman