White Harte Regatta Friday 6th May
April 26, 2011
Following the huge success of last years event Rathmullan Sailing Club are once again delighted to host a dinghy race on Friday 6th May 6.30pm, to coincide with the Lough Swilly Yacht Club White Harte Regatta. This is an open event so non-club members are very welcome to attend. We hope to see Lough Swilly Yacht Club dinghy sailors once again joining in this event. Plenty of fun and competition guaranteed, and hopefully more wind than last year! This year rudders are strictly to be used only to steer the boat – not the course! This competition is being kindly and generously sponsored by Rathmullan Health Center with prizes for €30, €20 and €15. 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
The White Harte Regatta is being run in conjunction with the first leg of the Junior Race Series 2011. Race Officer for the day will be the ever competent and accomplished Aengus Kennedy.
UPDATE:
Strong southerly winds with intermittent gusts signalled the start of the White Harte Dingy Regatta 2011.
Eight dinghies took to the water in near perfect wind conditions. Ten RSWC members were joined by two experienced and enthusiastic sailors from LSYC one of whom, Stephen Doherty was defending his first place title from 2010. Some boats were single handed and some double handed crewed.
Wind strength increased dramatically as sailors took to the waters and the blustery conditions put an early end to the younger girls ambitions, as they retired gracefully from the race to seek shelter on the beach. Courageous older children however managed to put in stalwart efforts in very challenging conditions. Much praise to Aengus Kennedy, Race Officer for maintaining order and consistency.
Despite many boats bring tossed and turtled they were gingerly up righted time and time again. Stephen Doherty of LSYC comfortably won the first race on a triangular course. All other boats were disqualified for various misdemeanors and technical difficulties.
For the second race of the evening a sausage course was adopted. Stephen Doherty again flew across the finish line with ease. Samantha bravely fought for second place and her efforts were well rewarded. Euan Robinson and Dabhog Boyle took third place.
Thanks are due to all our keen young sailors, visiting sailors from Fahan, club leaders, our sponsor under the watchful guidance of the Race Officer Aengus Kennedy. An exhausting but exhilarating start to the racing season!
