Both the Dinghy Frostbites and the Brass Monkeys series patiently waited out Storm Éowyn to be rewarded with sailing breezes on the first day of spring; read on to find out how both groups fared this past weekend.

Dinghy Frostbites short and sweet, with fickle winds and a king dethroned

After last week’s cancellation due to strong wind conditions, the frostbite sailors were keen to get back on the water this weekend. The forecast was for a good southerly sailing breeze up to late morning after which all the models were showing a shift to the south west and a big drop in the windspeed.

Both the Laser and PY fleets got off to clean starts in good breeze and the Race Committee were optimistic about the chances of getting a decent race in. However, after just one lap, the existing southerly front had passed through, and as forecast, the wind veered by up to 50 degrees and the windspeed dropped off gradually to a mere zephyr on a flat sea; perfect rowing conditions. The race was shortened at the end of the second lap of the three scheduled. After a brief wait to ascertain if there was any possibility of running a second race, the flags on Sea Wych indicated an end to racing for the day and sailors headed home for an early shower.

Dan O’Connell (RStGYC) recorded another race win in the ILCA 7 showing his ability to compete in light as well heavy conditions and extending his winning streak to five races in the series. Darragh Peelo (MYC) was first in the ILCA 6 class with Ben Moreau (SSC) taking line honours in the ILCA 4 class.

Richard Tait (RStGYC) took first place in the PY division, winning for the first time in the series in his Finn and ending the long winning streak of Daragh Sheridan (HYC) in his RS Aero 6. John Brereton was the first Melges over the line, recording his first win of the series.

--Report by Richard Kissane, photos courtesy of Paddy Judge

To see more photos from this series, check out the Dinghy Frostbites' photo gallery

Lucky breaks and quick decisions for the Brass Monkeys

Following the fresh to frightening weather last weekend, it was wisely decided that racing was not going to happen. It was comforting to look out at what appeared to be beautiful morning as we perused forecasts and made our way on board Star Point. We had agreed that this might be an opportunity to squeeze in a second race to get back on track to achieve a full complement for the series. A clever plan to send the fleet on Course 9, a Southerly course despite a forecast for Westerly wind, as we had a smashing S of 14k.

At the 1030 hooter we wondered if maybe the clocks had moved, due to the lack of enthusiasm. The plan to do a short race from CB, I, D,H, I, and shorten to start another race seemed ideal. Great beat, lovely reach, and a perfect run to Hub for a beat back to Island, began to unravel on the last leg. Wind began to veer as forecast but they forgot to tell that our anemometer was going to head towards 2k with boats now heading in all directions in a strong flood tide.

Mary Ellen had a great stroke of luck and made it back to a shortened course at island mark by 1113, followed by next boat at 1124. We did ask if Kevin had gone around all marks but i won’t print the reply. The race crew also felt lucky. If we had not planned a second race there was a strong possibility that we would have not had a finish for any of the 10 boats. 

--Report by Derek Bothwell, photos courtesy of Patrick McCaughey

To see more photos from this series, check out the Brass Monkeys' photo gallery