Strong winds at Killaloe Sailing Club on Lough Derg for the RS400 Inland Championships
With the tail end of Hurricane Lee sweeping the island, numerous sailing events were cancelled last weekend across Ireland. The team at Killaloe Sailing Club decided to go ahead as planned, hoping to get some racing for the 33 boats entered across three classes: the RS400, the RS200 and the RS Aero.
Saturday saw the fleet launch in 20 kts of southerly breeze with the first race getting underway in strong but manageable conditions. Govan Berridge and David Coleman dominated the first RS 400 race and held the lead throughout. Luke McIlwaine/Ryan Wilson and Chris Helme/Alan Claffey followed closely, taking 2nd and 3rd.
The RS400 fleet ashore at Killaloe Sailing Club
Race two saw the wind increase to survival conditions for the second lap, with the maximum gust at 38kts. A similar result sheet followed with Govan/David taking the win, followed by Jocelyn Hill/Rowan Berry and Luke/Ryan.
Saturday evening commenced with news that racing would be moved forward an hour on Sunday to try and get three races in before the breeze built in the afternoon. The evening entertainment began with a BBQ, which saw a great attendance due to most sailors camping on-site. Later in the evening, many enjoyed the rugby and stayed around until the early hours before retiring for an early start the next morning.
Sailors woke to a pleasant sunrise and winds of 12-15 kts. Race 3 saw an incident at the windward mark, which removed Govan/David from the race following a protest. This meant Rob Hastings and Dan Sherriff (this time using a kite without missing panels!) were promoted to 1st place.
William Findlay and Ben McMeekin in the RS400 on Lough Derg
Luke/Ryan took the win in race 4, closely followed by Govan/David and Jocelyn/Rowan as they headed into the final race of the championship.
RS400 Winners Luke McIlwaine and Ryan Wilson
Race 5 saw the lightest conditions of the weekend as the heavens opened and the rain fell. Chris and Alan built an impressive lead over the fleet with Jocelyn/Rowan in 2nd and Dara McDonagh and Kevin Brazel in 3rd.
RS200 Travellers Series champions are sisters Jocelyn and Emily Hill
A closely fought championship saw Luke/Ryan take the win with Govan/David in 2nd and Jocelyn/Rowan 3rd with Jane McMeekin taking first masters.