Wind West F5-6 gusting. Dry intially but rained later.
Strong winds met the HYC Commodore and PRO of the Optimist Nationals in Howth. Derek Bothwell was under pressure from the beginning with strong westerly winds. Despite this the fleet launched on time in the usual orderly manner under beach-master, Derek George.
The sailing area was just east of Portmarnock and despite the wind being off the land, there were waves with which the sailors had to contend. The mother-ships and safety RIBs were well in demand from tired, wet and bewildered sailors. One young sailor, Jessica Brien (RNIYC), received the submariner's prize for having five capsizes in succession.
After race 1 there was little sign of the winds abating although the race management had their fingers crossed that it would. With many of the less experienced sailors retiring through exhaustion and frustration, the PRO abandoned racing for the day.
Race results
For the second day, the results were dominated by our visiting sailors from the Netherlands with two firsts, one each for Gijs Pelt (NED) and Rolph Oudshoorn (NED). These talented sailors are the overall open competition leaders on 5.25 and 12.5 points respectively.
Katie Tingle (RCYC) sailed another steady race coming in 4th today and holding her third overall. Tom Hayes (GBR) had a 2nd and now holds 5th overall with Ross Vaughan (RNIYC) in 6th. Emily Lambert (USA) was 12th today and slips to 7th.
Ed Butler (RSGYC) is now up to 8th thanks to a 2nd today. Oliver White (GBR) is now 9th having had a 4th today. Lying in 10th is Maeve Leonard (RCYC).
IODAI Gold/Silver/Bronze Fleets Standing after 4 races
