Irish Fireball Nationals at Waterford Harbour Sailing Club - Day 1
by Cormac Bradley 3 Jul 2015 21:48 BST
3-5 July 2015
A disappointing turnout of only ten Fireballs have made the first day of the Irish Fireball Nationals in Dunmore East. With the exception of young Edward Coyne out of Kinsale, the home club's Mike Murphy and a composite Clontarf/Dun Laoghaire crew the fleet is made up completely of Dun Laoghaire boats. That means that Skerries, Clontarf, Killaloe and East Down fleets are conspicuous by their absence. A sad demise from the heady days of multi-club representation at the Nationals and great socialising at the host club.
With a Worlds a ferry trip and 45 minutes drive away in approximately 6 weeks time in Pwllheli, North Wales and bragging of a 99-boat entry, the fortunes of our nearest Fireball neighbour and our own are in stark contrast.
As predicted Barry McCartin & Conor Kinsella made it look very easy on the water with three race wins. In each race their margin of victory was very comfortable. Behind them the three second places were shared 2:1in favour of Kenny Rumball & Teddy Byrne. Team Clancy claimed a single second place and two thirds.
Results after Day 1:
1st McCartin & Kinsella, 3pts
2nd Rumball & Byrne, 7pts
3rd Clancy & Clancy, 8pts
In fourth overall is Neil Colin & Margaret Casey, counting a 4,5,6 and a point behind them is Frank Miller & Ed Butler.
Notable absentees are Noel Butler with a joyful family occasion tomorrow - a wedding in the family and Stephen Oram, returning from overseas.
Race Officer Con Murphy gave the fleet two Olympic courses and a closing Windward/Leeward course. Wind conditions were healthy for the first race and eased as the day wore on.
Outside as I type the Flying Fifteens are putting their boats together to join us on the race course tomorrow.
A small fleet of 420s appeared to be enjoying on the water coaching today and they too go into race mode tomorrow.
Waterford Harbour Sailing Club are in host mode for the event but at 19:15 the club is devoid of Fireballers. Tiredness and the need for food has seen the 20 bodies disperse in various directions.