Squib Irish East Coast Championship at Royal St George Yacht Club

Eventual winner Atomic finishing in race 1 just ahead of Femme Fatale - Squib Irish East Coast Championship © Avril Fitzgerald

On Saturday 7 September the weather was not looking promising for the 21 boat fleet of Squibs competing in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council sponsored Irish East Coast Championship. The wind forecast was for 4 knots, with a left-over sea from a gale the previous day. Race Officer Barry O'Neill brought the fleet as far west of Dun Laoghaire as he could, for the two lap Windward-Leeward course, where the tide would have minimal impact on the racing.

Race one was started on schedule, but due to the light wind, the race was shortened to one lap. It was won by Dave Stewart and Brian Hare in 'Granat' with Alex Minginovic and Karina Voitjule in their recently acquired 'Chilli'.

By race two the Northerly wind had increased to about 8 knots. This time it was Ian Travers and Keith O'Riordan in 'Atomic', who took the gun from Vincent Delany and Joe O'Byrne in 'Femme Fatale'.

The third race in 10 knots followed without any delay. Again 'Atomic' were showing dominance with Aidan O'Connell and Ben O'Donoghue in 'Ruby Blue' in close pursuit.

For the final race of the day the wind was failing so the PRO hoisted flag 'F' at the windward mark to shorten the course. Again 'Atomic' took the gun with 'Ruby Blue' astern.

The Royal St George Yacht Club provided great hospitality, with a hearty dinner for all the competitors.

The overnight the leader board was 'Atomic' from Kinsale Yacht Club, 'Ruby Blue' and 'Granat' from the Royal Irish YC and 'Femme Fatale' from the host club.

On Sunday Morning the Squib Fleet were introduced to 18 knots of wind from the west with a steep choppy sea. This time PRO Barry O'Neill moved the fleet to the vicinity of Molly (Malone) Mark. With a strong tide pushing the fleet over the line it was hard to get the fleet away. once threatened with a black flag they behaved.

In race 5 the competitors thought they had a dead heat, but the committee awarded the win to 'Atomic' From 'Famme Fatale'.

The final race was again held in strenuous conditions of wind against time. As a virtual medal race, it was decided to extend the race to three laps. At the finish the order was 'Atomic' followed by 'Granat'.

The innovative Hunter Boats prize was awarded to Eva and Anne Barrington of Lough Derg Yacht Club in 'Selik'. The Silver Fleet prize was awarded to clubmates Tadg and Robert Murphy in 'Outlaw'. If there had been a ladies prize it would have gone to Jill Somerville in 'Tears in Heaven' from Howth Yacht Club.

The Squib fleet is a friendly fleet and great new friendships were formed over the weekend.

Overall Results: