Tuesday 16 July 2024 Race Report
After a spell of Tuesday cancellations due to too much or no wind it was with relief that Tuesday 16th conditions were such that a race was able to be held. With Tuesdays being the most popular day for many Sailors it was no surprise that a full crew assembled for all four boats. The forecast was for lighter winds and that dreaded cyclonic was mentioned in hushed tones but thankfully the wind didn’t drop below 6 kts and even got as high as 9 kts for a period.
High tide was 20.31 giving a rising tide throughout
the race. Due to the wind direction
and with a view to having a short race in case the wind gods would play tricks,
a platonic course with orange start line was provided - As, Ls, Bs, Ks, Xp,
(Seapoint, Merrion, Saoirse, Boyd and Turning).
Naneen leading Estelle
The earlier fleets had chosen pin end starts however timing to achieve the perfect pin position at the start was tricky and Geraldine and Garavogue being a little early sailed down the line towards the hut end. Naneen started just off the pin while Estelle hugged the pin for the optimal start. On the first beat all stayed on starboard to get maximum tide advantage inshore. Due to the line bias Garavogue and Geraldine were well inside the track of Naneen and Estelle who maintained a private battle form the off. Naneen was to leeward buy kept Estelle on her lee bow with both crews working hard to better their position. Garavogue tacked out earlier than the others breaking away for the fleet on a solo run. Geraldine eventually tacked to port triggering Naneen and Estelle to do likewise, both still leading the field and seeming on the lay line to the mark. After the tack Estelle bettered her position as windward boat, having tacked marginally earlier than Naneen, Geraldine was inside in 3rd position while Garavogue was way out to port in 4th place.
Approaching Sea Point the wind was veering and it was apparent that all boats were not making the Mark and a further tack was needed. Estelle had good speed and by now had pulled away from Naneen who was now parallel to Geraldine but on a lower track to the mark. Garavogue now on starboard closed in on the fleet crossing just behind Naneen and Geraldine. Estelle tacked close to the mark and was clear leader. Geraldine by virtue of higher track than Naneen was seemingly in 2nd place however Garavogue gained considerable from her beat tactics and rounded Sea Point just behind Estelle. Geraldine was third with Naneen taking up the rear-guard position.
The order was now established and with a great circle course it was always going to be difficult to alter positions. Thus, the fleet sailed on to Merrion, Saoirse, Boyd, back to Turning and home in same order as the first mark.
Final result
1. Estelle
2. Garavogue
3. Geraldine
4. Naneen
The race took just over an hour with the fleet finishing within a 2-minute window. Naneen being last once again was the subject to some comment however on inspection of her hull, even after being cleaned two weeks ago there is evidence of a heavy slim growth again indicating that the anti-foul is less effective than the other boats. One for the operations team to review and deal with. Ashore the majority of the crew assembled on the NYC balcony to enjoy what passes for a lovely summer evening this year. Liz very kindly sponsored baskets of chips for all which was very welcome as other food orders were slow to be served but the chowder was deemed delicious when it finally arrived.
Next Saturday, 20 July, bring a slight change to proceedings when for the 1st time in over forty years it is planned, weather permitting for the Twentyones to attend the Clontarf At Home regatta. This entails a sail up the river courtesy of Port Authority permission and partaking of the famous Clontarf Barm Breac. This humble scribe will be elsewhere so enjoy all who attend. ????