Irish Laser Masters at Ballyholme Yacht Club
by Aidan Pounder 12 May 2015 14:22 BST
9-10 May 2015
Local 'boys' Flannigan and Taylor win
Saturday 9th May 2015 saw the start of the 2 day Irish Laser Masters event at Ballyholme Yacht Club with a number of competitors travelling from the Republic of Ireland to compete.
As the competitors took to the water around 1100 hrs the weather was excellent, however as forecast the winds got lighter as the day progressed which on top of the sea swell made the sail out to the race arena rather tiring. With all assembled, the competitors waited patently for the wind shifts to steady, upon which our Race Officer, Robin Gray released the fleet, much to the relief of the mark laying team too.
We managed to get 3 races in which were all won by Gareth Flannigan.
The fleet returned to the club late in the afternoon and prepared for a dinner laid on by Bow Bells.
Sunday saw a complete contrast in the sailing conditions with a strong wind out of the South. In the race arena out in the Lough, Robin Gray was recording a baseline wind of about 20 knots with gusts up to 31 knots and sailing was delayed.
After some deliberation a course was laid closer to the shore and the fleet released from the south & north slip, and unlike the previous day with a good following wind and no sea swell the competitors were at the committee boat and ready to go in no time.
The next two races saw steady baseline winds of around 22 knots with gusts up to 30 knots presenting the competitors with very challenging conditions especially rounding the marks at the bottom of the course, which saw a lot of capsizes and a spectacular coming together between David Wilson and Charlie Westhurst. Fortunately both were ok and likewise their Lasers.
Early Sunday afternoon saw the end of racing and results were gathered and checked by Ron Hutchinson from the Irish Laser Association.
Overall Results:
Radial
1st Howard Massie - BYC
Grand Master
1st Charlie Taylor - BYC
2nd Richard Ramsey East Down YC
Master
1st Nick Walsh - Royal Cork YC
2nd William Duane - Royal Cork YC
3rd Edward Rice - Royal Cork YC
Apprentice Master
1st Gareth Flannigan - BYC
2nd Roger O'Gorman - Monkstown Bay SC
3rd Daragh Kelleher - Skerries SC
Overall
1st Gareth Flannigan - BYC
2nd Roger O'Gorman - Monkstown Bay SC
3rd Nick Walsh - Royal Cork YC
I would like to take this opportunity in thanking all those volunteers that made this event the success that it was, to name a few, Ron Hutchinson, Robin Gray and his race team, Peter Ronaldson for kindly supplying the Committee Boat, Jo Rennie & Elaine Taylor for the Club House presentation and meals and particular thanks to Keith Storey our principle event organiser.