Irish 505 Championship at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club

Twenty-six teams arrived at Monkstown Bay SC in Ireland for the last major 505 open event of the year, with visitors from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The main road through Monkstown was soon turned from highway to dinghy park as the travelling contingent doubled the numbers.

Racing was held inside Cork Harbour which provided a superb natural setting and some ideal sailing conditions for the event. The race team opted for a windward leeward course for race 1 into a South Westerly force 3-4 breeze. After a clean start the fleet divided. Neither side of the beat seemed to be favourite with many of the top teams close at the first mark. The run down wind however significantly favoured those that went right into stronger breeze giving a better gybe angle. Terry Scutcher and Christian Diebitsch were in control ahead of Richard Williams and John Davies who showed us all how to 'wire it' down the runs.

An Olympic course was posted by the race team for race 2 . The wind freshened a little providing some fantastic reaching conditions for the triangle. Many teams flying 'mega monsters' were on the limit and those carrying a little more 'bully beef' had visible grins on their faces as they overhauled the lighter crews. Ben Iliffe and Simon Lake led at the windward mark, and for the first lap, until overtaken just before the second windward mark by Harry and Simon Briddon. Scutcher/Diebitsch eventually gained the lead which they held to the finish.

The wind shifted right and stayed fresh for the final race of the day. Apart from Scutcher/Diebitsch who again showed their form, followed by Williams/Davies and the Briddons, however many other teams ended the day with mixed results including 'at least one discard'.

Back on dry land, an excellent day's sailing was rounded off with a free BBQ while competitors re-hydrated and watched the English rugby team kick the French into touch!.. Doesn't get much better than that!

The wind on Sunday morning was less than exciting. There were murmurings in the dinghy park. "He doesn't expect us to sail in this, does he?" The race officer knew better and after a brief postponement held two further lighter wind races. Trapezing was marginal for the most part but delivered extremely tight racing mid-fleet.

Martin Wedge and Scott Allen led the first round pursued by Scutcher/Diebitsch, Michael Ennis crewed by Jeremy Tomlin who went hard left on the second beat to move up several places, followed by local sailor Ewen Barry crewed by Charles Dwyer. Unfortunately Wedge/Allen went hard right on that beat and paid a severe penalty. Scutcher/Diebitsch eventually took the lead to make it four from four.

The fifth and final race saw another local team, Colin Barry and Tim O'Connor, leading most of the way round however Scutcher/Diebitsch were intent on keeping their 100% record and had taken the lead by the finish.

Thanks must go to Jim Berry and Barney for boat transportation with the six boat rig and to all the MBSC race team, bar and catering staff for organising and running an excellent event.

Overall Results: (5 races, 1 discard)

1st GBR 8881, Terry Scutcher & Christian Diebitsch (Shotley SC)
2nd GBR 8526, Tim Bird & Richard Nurse (Burton SC)
3rd GBR 8887, Richard Williams & John Davies (Royal Harwich YC)
4th IRL 8408, Ewen Barry & Charles Dwyer (MBSC)
5th GBR 8885, Ben Illfe & Simon Lake
6th IRL 8542, Ronan Kenneally & John Dunlea (MBSC)