For the penultimate DBSC race of the season the weather forecast was in the upper wind range which, coupled with high spring tides, gave some rise for uncertainty beforehand. The day however dawned with easterly winds in the mid-teens gusting up to 20kts. The morning sea state was relatively flat however, with ebb tide due at 14.40, wind over tide would generate more bumpy conditions. Therefore, following a prudent decision to reef, all four boats set off with 19 crew on board, Geraldine drawing the short straw with 4 up.  

Although the wind direction was 75° which would have suggested a D course the OOD opted instead for course B to avoid Scotsman’s Bay area where the Flying Fifteens were having their East Coast Championships. For the Twentyones though the selected course was B4, yellow line start – Middle, Battery, Molly, Saoirse, Middle, Turning, Finish meaning we were headed for Scotsman Bay regardless.   

As the line was biased towards the pin end all boats chose this as their starting strategy. Estelle had sailed into the hut early and as start time approached were on the line on starboard towars the pin as the start signal sounded. Garavogue coming in from the pin end crossed the line on port passing ahead of Estelle by a close margin but no issue from either boat. Naneen had tacked onto starboard close to the pin before the gun and were on a parallel course to Estelle just to leeward with Geraldine a little behind. Garavogue continued out on port tack and Geraldine soon tacked to follow leaving a split fleet with Estelle and Naneen staying on starboard heading towards Dublin Port. This was also the course favoured by many of the preceding fleets.  

About midway to Middle Estelle tacked to port and soon was converging on Garavogue coming in on Starboard. As before the port tack boat was clear ahead and Estelle capitalised on her lead by tacking back to cover Garavogue now in her lee. Naneen meanwhile had also tacked to port passing under and behind Estelle and stayed on before tacking close to the lay line. Geraldine, having taken a longer initial port tack was the clear back marker .   

Approaching Middle mark, it was apparent that Naneen had the best line and was clear ahead of the others rounding the mark. Estelle and Garavogue tacked together for the port hand lay line with the blue boat holding her tight lead over her black rival by about 2 boat lengths as they rounded the mark. Both boats were now chasing Naneen on the long 2.15 mile broad reach to Battery. Naneen conceded nothing on the leg, holding her lead and distance as she approached the more turbulent waters in Scotsman Bay. They did experience some traffic from the Flying Fifteen back markers who were crossing to their own finish and had to give way to the starboard fleet but without losing any material advantage. Estelle and Garavogue were neck and neck with Estelle’s line closer to the Mark, however with a good ebb tide now established, Garavogue taking a wider outside lane stole the lead on Estelle who struggled a little with the tide to avoid hitting the mark. Geraldine remained the back marker but not very far behind.  

After rounding Battery in lumpy seas both Naneen and Garavogue stayed on port with the strong ebb tide sweeping them towards Bullock. Estelle however having been caught just behind Garavogue at the turn decided to break away for clear air taking an early starboard track towards Molly. Geraldine also followed a similar course after rounding Battery. Shortly after all boats were on starboard tack with Naneen and Garavogue on a more windward track to Estelle and Geraldine. The fleet were still low on the next mark being Molly and Estelle tacked back to port, crossing behind Naneen but having narrowed the gap, and a good margin ahead of Garavogue and back in the game. The key now was to pick a good lay line tack. Unfortunately for Estelle she tacked too early needing a further 2 tacks to clear Molly to port and in doing so allowed Garavogue to retake 2nd place with Naneen now firmly holding her lead.  

Positions remained thus on the leg to round Saoirse before the fleet once again set out for Middle. Similar strategies as the first leg were executed with Naneen and Estelle staying on Starboard while Garavogue, tacked immediately to port. Naneen was by now well established as leader, proving difficult to catch barring a mistake. Estelle and Garavogue however continued their dual for 2nd place. Estelle once again took the upper hand upon tacking back to port re-established her lead over Garavogue passing her by about 2 boat lengths. This time however, Estelle didn’t tack back to establish a tight cover instead remaining on port before spotting Middle mark and realising that they needed to tack immediately to lay the course. Garavogue having stayed on Starboard was on the lay line and gained the advantage of the shorter distance to edge out Estelle, rounding in 2nd place.  

The leg to Turning was a deep run and to take account of the strong ebb tide the fleet gybed to starboard to combat same. Naneen was well in the lead and Geraldine taking the rear albeit having narrowed the gap significantly as they turned for the downwind leg. For Estelle and Geraldine however, the race was in full swing with each trying to see how they could outwit the other. Garavogue had the slight advantage but maintained continuous eyes on Estelle to gauge and counteract her every move. Estelle did close the gap again but failed to press advantage likely missing an opportunity to pin Garavogue out to the margins as both needed a port gybe to lay Turning. In any event Garavogue rounded Turning just ahead of Estelle and both chased Naneen to the line with Geraldine closing in just behind.  

Final result    

1. Naneen 

2. Garavogue  

3. Estelle 

4. Geraldine  

All in all a super race and for Estelle and Garavogue particularly a tightly fought contest right the way around. Once again, the one design fleet provide exciting racing throughout the long course. The winds did gust to early twenties early on but did soften after that. The bumpy sea state, particularly in Scotsman Bay, presented challenging tacking conditions - easy to stall out if not paying attention, however the reefed boats were a joy to handle and all crews were quite proficient and relaxed, despite the conditions, having had a good season of experience behind them  

Après sail was hosted at the RSGYC with many sailors making their way there after coming ashore. There was plenty of discussion about the close racing over libations and food and the day deemed a great success. The last DBSC Race is next Saturday followed by the last race of the season – The DMYC Kish Race on Sunday 29th.  

The Twentyones plan to continue social sailing, weather permitting up to the October Bank holiday weekend when the fleet will then transfer off the moorings to their winter berths.