Cathedral Eye Clinic RS Elite Nationals at Strangford Lough Yacht Club - Day 1

Cathedral Eye Clinic RS Elite Nationals at Strangford Lough Day 1 © Kerry, Strangford Lough Yacht Club

Russell Peters crewed by Greg Wells and Zeb Elliott, sailing Riff Raff, RS Elite 20, are overnight leaders on the first day of the Cathedral Eye Clinic RS Elite National Championship.

The event, held at Strangford Lough Yacht Club from June 28th to July 1st, got off to slow start when the weak north westerly wind began to fall towards the end of the first race. The second race (out of a planned three) had to be abandoned as the wind became shifty and fell further. Race Officer Ruan O'Tiarnaigh had, regretfully, to cancel all further racing for the day.

Second place went to Stephen Polly crewed by John Gunning and David Kelso in Storm, RS Elite 37, the highest placed Irish boat. Tom Hewitson crewed by Colin smith and Pippa Jubb in Soak Therapy, RS Elite 100, fresh from winning the Irish National Championship the previous weekend, took third place. James Yearsley crewed by Johnny Costard and Anna Wells in Urafiki, RS Elite 92, were Fourth. Michael Browne and crew in The Love Bug, RS Elite 53, took fifth place, making them second highest placed Irish boat and Elliot Caldwell and crew in Eclipse, RS Elite 44 were sixth.

AS the competitors head for an evening of dinner and jazz on the lightship Peterl in Ballydorn Bay the race committee has announced its intention to hold four races on the second day (Thursday) and the third day (Friday) of the event.

Results after Day 1: