Presentation of prizes by commodore Gary Allen at the 2016 Junior Regatta at GBSC
This Sunday we had our Junior Regatta. I think that everyone would agree that we had a fantastic day on the water and afterwards. This is especially so when you consider the time of the year. As well as 28 of own young sailors competing, we welcomed sailors from Lough Ree and Spiddal. The competitors contended with SW winds ranging from 15 to 20 knots, but we managed to complete 3 races before returning in our club house for a well earned dinner and deserts provided by the parents.
The fleet was split between Silver and Gold Optimists, a Mixed PY fleet and 420's. Racing was extremely competitive, often with little to separate the boats after each 30 minute race. There were quite a few capsizes in the waves beyond Black Rock, but the still smiling sailors were quickly assisted by our Safety boats and bravely continued racing.
Back in the clubhouse we were all served dinner and the army of older club members who made the event happen could relax with a pint. At the end of the day we had our prize giving, which included our Perpetual Trophies and prizes. I think our visitors went away happy, hopefully to return (with more sailors) next year.
Many thanks to all who came together to make this day happen. In no particular order they included Johnny and Ciara Murphy, Caroline O'Reilly who ran the dinner and bar, Paul McGrady, Sean Kennedy, and Ger Power who were in charge of the slipway, John Collins who got all the ribs into the water, Aaron O'Reilly and Alan Donnelly who took photos, Aaron, Emmet Duffy (from Lough Ree), Pat Irwin and Conor Lyons who were responsible for safety, Donal Collins and Jack Lee who were instructors - encouraging the juniors to race, a very big thanks to Pat Irwin for his rib and to Alan Donnelly who had to bring the results together and also assisted me in the committee boat, Leonie Dransfeld who managed the registration, all those who brought wonderful cakes. Finally thanks our commodore Gary Allen and to all the competitors and their guardians for making the effort to come.
Marcel Cure RC Juniors