26th July 2024 – Kinsale Yacht Club was abuzz as a fantastic evening of racing unfolded, featuring the highly anticipated conclusion of the Bio Pharma Technical Consulting Mid Summer TGIF Series and the prestigious Bertoletti Trophy Race.  The Bertoletti Trophy, an annual all in Echo event, is a cherished race honouring Mario Bertoletti, whose dedication and good humor as KYC steward from the late 1970s to the early 2000s left an ever lasting mark on the club.

The conditions were near perfect with brisk southwest winds at 10-12 knots, easing to 8 knots by race end.  The rising tide and sunshine set the stage for an evening of exciting racing.

Race Officer Michele Kennelly expertly charted a super course.  Stephen Lysaght’s Elan 333, Reavra Too, clinched 1st place, while David Riome’s Sigma 33, Valfreya, took 2nd, and Bobby Nash’s Squib, Flora, secured 3rd.  The race was a fitting tribute to Mario Bertoletti’s enduring legacy.

The overall Biopharma Technical Consulting Mid Summer TGIF 2024 results were:

ECHO 1:

1. Siboney – John Stallard
2. Hansemer – Anthony Scannell
3. Valfreya – David Riome

IRC 1:

1. Siboney – John Stallard
2. Valfreya – David Riome
3. Wheels – John Whelan

ECHO 2:

1. Chameleon – Padraig O’Donovan
2. Apache – Alan Mulcahy
3. Starlet – Albert O’Neill

IRC 2:

1. Apache – Alan Mulcahy
2. Chameleon – Padraig O’Donovan
3. Starlet – Albert O’Neill

The evening culminated in a packed clubhouse for the prize-giving ceremony, with hearty congratulations extended to all winners.  A very special thank you goes to Martin Hurley of Bio Pharma Technical Consulting for generously sponsoring the Mid Summer TGIF 2024 prizes.

Thank you to Brian Jolly for the racing photos.

A captivating story also unfolded on Friday evening at Kinsale Yacht Club as German sailors Lena Riede and Janek Harms joined the crew of Stephen Lysaght’s Reavra Too, securing a memorable victory in the Bertoletti Trophy Race.  Riede and Harms, aboard their Gib Sea 38 Ketch, SY Nordklang, have spent the past 13 months on an extraordinary voyage from northern Germany, navigating through the Canaries and Cape Verdes to the Caribbean, and now making their way home.

Their journey took an exciting turn in the Azores, where they met Stephen, who extended a warm invitation to visit Kinsale. “The race was a great joy! Finally some performance sailing again – a big difference from cruising.  It was so much fun to meet all those passionate sailors at Kinsale Yacht Club!” Lena and Janek exclaimed.

Stephen said, “I had the pleasure of meeting Lena and Janek during my own adventure aboard Paragon II, another Kinsale Yacht Club boat,  in the Azores this past May.  True to the camaraderie of sailors, I invited them to reconnect when they reached Kinsale.  Little did we know they would make history as the first German sailors to win the esteemed Bertoletti Trophy along with my crew!  Their victory not only highlights their skill and dedication but also the welcoming spirit of Kinsale Yacht Club, where international sailors find a home away from home.  We wish Lena and Janek fair winds on the rest of their journey back to Germany, carrying with them the honor of their remarkable achievement.”