The GP14 fleet at the recent Mullingar Sailing Club regatta on Lough Owel.

Perfect day for sailing at Mullingar Sailing Club regatta

Sunday September 5 saw the running of Mullingar Sailing Club’s annual club regatta on Lough Owel. The day was perfect for racing, with light, breezy weather accompanying the event.

The conditions were a bit too light for racing, with wind speeds averaging seven knots, with gusts of up to 12 knots and mild, pleasant weather overall.

An 11-strong fleet of GP14s launched in the early hours of the afternoon, each of them hoping that the wind will be on their side.

After four races, including one optional discard for each crew, Stuart McCormick and Bernie Briody claimed the top spot, with the best combined result. They were followed closely by Alan Pinder and Jack Hayes in second, and James and Rosie Hackett took third place.

A series of tough races meant that all the results were very close, and a huge congratulations is due to all 11 crews who took part.

A five-strong fleet of Mirror dinghies also raced on the day, with all of the club’s junior sailors enjoying themselves immensely. It was brilliant to see such a great turnout for this ever-popular and always enjoyable event.

The club extends a special thanks to its officers on the day, Elva, Cliff and Martin who, set out the course and kept track of times and scores, as well as all of those involved in organising the event.