Howth Yacht Club’s Checkmate XX, recently back from a hugely successful Sovereigns Week having won overall, continued their winning streak with four wins out of four races in the Coastal Class at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta.

Sailed in idyllic conditions, saw this well practiced crew enjoy some great racing and partying ashore to be able to discard a first and finish on three points over Paul O’Higgins’ Rockabill IV on 11 points. By coincidence, Checkmate’s Dave Cullen first raced a yacht with Paul O’Higgins on Howth Based Rockabill II some decades ago! Third was Mojito from Pwllheli in this class of 24 boats.

Whilst lighter airs didn’t particularly suit Checkmate, its 13 crew mix of young and old managed to lead every race around the track and correct into first place each day.

The younger crew managed to party through the night whilst the oldies tucked up early every night.

Nigel Biggs commented “it is great to sail with such a mix of ages and almost 50% male/female mix where we all have fun but also get good results as a team. We must also congratulate the Outrajeous and Splashdance crews for their respective class wins with a big celebration in Howth on Sunday night.

Dartmouth Week is next for Checkmate where we hope to continue our winning ways.