Dozens of sailboats from across the British Isles arrived in Strangford Lough last week for a packed four-day race festival.
Sponsored by Charles Hurst and Templeton Robinson, the event kicked off on Wednesday morning (July 13) with the first race on one of four spectacular courses. Sailors came from England, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland to compete in twelve different classes.
More than 100 racing keelboats from across the British Isles took part in four days of fantastic sailing on the sun-kissed waters of Strangford Lough. All the visitors were impressed with the scope of sailing on the Lough and are looking forward to returning in 2007 with their friends.
The classes were divided into four fleets and raced on a different area of the Lough each day. The Charles Hurst course at Whiterock offered either a windward/ leeward or trapezoidal course, the Templeton Robinson course at Long Sheelagh was triangular, the Jaguar course south of the Limestone was also windward/ leeward and the Aon McMillen course was a Round the Lough course starting at Holm Bay.
Principal race officer Roderick Monson was delighted with the on-the-water organisation and praised all ten yacht clubs for their help providing committee boat teams, mark layout and rescue.
The social and evening entertainment was based at Killyleagh Yacht Club were moorings were laid out for visitors.
Although the winds were relatively light all seven races were completed in every class.
IRC Class Two: The class was won by Elan 333 Movie Star Bleu, expertly sailed by Raymond Killops of Killyleagh Yacht Club. Second place was another Elan 333, Bule Gila, helmed by David McFarland of Carrickfergus. IRC class two were delighted to welcome John Corson from the Clyde, who helmed Stevie Andrews' boat Dansos to finish third overall.
IRC Class Three: This was the biggest IRC class, with a strong contingent from Antrim Boat Club. But local boat Alcoyne sailed by Peter Thompson from EDYC came in first.
Flying Fifteens: Strangford ace Gerry Reilly in Over the Moon held off Killyleagh star Andy McClery In Fast and Furious to win the Cat Rental Series for this Class.
Squibs: Quoile Yacht Club Crawford brothers Brian and Dennis won the series in the last race.
PY1: Slippi Jin sailed by Jim Rodgers beat Gusto Too, helmed by David Kelly, to second place by four points.
PY2: A great finishing day. Mjollnir and Jim Rodgers beat Killyleagh expert George Cromie by a single point.
PY3: Silmarillon led the class and won handsomely by a massive seven points against Scottish boat Perlucide.
For a complete list of results, please visit www.slrw.org.uk.
Pictures of the event are also available at www.slrw.org.uk.