Irish Laser Masters at Ballyholme Yacht Club
by Christina Cunningham 6 Jun 2009 07:57 BST
30-31 May 2009
Racing in the Irish Laser Masters at Ballyholme © Christina Cunningham
The Laser Masters Championship 2009 took place at Ballyholme Yacht Club over the weekend 30/31st May. There were 37 entries from all over Ireland with the event attracting visitors from England too.
Three races were completed in good breeze under blue skies on Belfast Lough on the Saturday, with oscillating wind shifts providing the race officer with some mark laying issues. During the first race, a wind shift resulted in some sailors finding themselves further up the fleet than they were accustomed to – one sailor had to allow another boat through so he knew which course to sail!
After a day’s racing, the sailors enjoyed dinner and an evening of entertainment at the yacht club.
Sunday’s racing was slightly delayed until the breeze filled in from the east – a delay that was appreciated by some competitors who had enjoyed Saturday evening a little too much. Again, wind shifts and dying wind made course laying more difficult for the race committee and mark layers but the sailors were able to complete three more races in the sunshine.
The event was rounded off by a barbeque and prize giving in the sun. The radial fleet was won by Ian Jones who managed to win all 6 races, with Colm MacLarnon taking second place in the fleet. The standard fleet was won by Gareth Flannigan who scored a total of 11 points. In second place was Chris Boyd with 13.5 points.
Special thanks go to Norfolkline Ferries for their generous sponsorship which enabled our visitors from England to take part in the regatta.
Overall Results:
Standard Fleet
Apprentice Master
1st Gareth Flannigan (Ballyholme YC)
2nd Dave Fletcher (Ballyholme YC)
3rd Kevin Currier (Ballyholme YC)
Master
1st Garth Maxwell (Ballyholme YC)
2nd John Simms (Ballyholme YC)
3rd John Gilmore (Strangford Lough YC)
Grand Master
1st Chris Boyd (Ballyholme YC)
2nd Stephen Polly (Ballyholme YC)
3rd Charles Taylor (Ballyholme YC)
Radial Fleet
Apprentice Master
1st Ian Jones (Dovestone SC)
2nd Michael Bird (Royal Cork YC)
Master
1st Colm MacLarnon (Ballyholme YC)
Grand Master
1st Brian Bibby (Donaghadee SC)