Topper Ireland/ITCA Traveller at Donaghadee Sailing Club
by Fiona Norman 31 May 2024 19:59 BST
25-26 May 2024
Topper Travellers at Donaghadee © Jim Brown
Last weekend, May 26th and 27th Donaghadee Sailing Club played host to the third Topper Ireland/ITCA Traveller event of 2024.
A training session for boats from both Donaghadee Sailing Club & Ballyholme Yacht Club was held on Saturday, with 12 junior sailors on the water for coaching on racing rules and tactics in advance of Sunday's races.
Sunday dawned bright with dry conditions and some wind. It was a sight to see the full fleet of 32 Toppers, for some it was their first such event. Competitors whose ages ranged from 10 -16 years, came from as far away as Sligo, Limerick, Fermanagh and Dublin. In total, there were four races in seven hours on the water giving the young sailors plenty of time to experience the unique and challenging tidal streams off the harbour. The day was a great success with plenty of fun and experience gleaned by all. A big thanks must go to the organisers and all the volunteers involved in making the day one to remember.
Congratulations to the winners, in the 5.3 Rig fleet Siún Ní Choistealbha from Malahide YC in female youth (14yrs+), local sailors Matthew Holden from Ballyholme YC in male youth (14yrs+), Polly Robinson also from Ballyholme in the female junior (U14yrs) and Jack Ives from Carlingford SC in the male junior (U14yrs), and Adam Green from Lough Erne YC in the 4.2 Rig Fleet. Matthew Holden from Ballyholme YC was also first overall.
Donaghadee look forward to welcoming anyone interested in finding more about sailing to their Discover Sailing Day on Saturday June 29th.
www.donaghadeesc.co.uk