Saturday’s course was up and down in front of the town between No.11 and No.3 a big tide
just on the ebb. Off the line closest to the clubhouse was Beauty and the Beast (Peter, Katie, Noddy) then Dublin Bay (David, Dave, Geoff) with the remainder of the fleet in the channel to the South. The Southern boats won the race to the first mark with Still Crazy (Ian, Rene, Alex) and Avalanche (Mark, Mandy, Nigel) ahead of Hands Off (Andy, Teresa, Tim) and Pageboy XI (Jono, Clive, Graeme). Beauty slipping down to sixth after the rounding.

Still Crazy lead Avalanche, then Hands Off and Pageboy XI at No.3 and they headed for the South shore. Dublin Bay and Beauty a short distance behind went North and Beauty slipped into fifth. By the time the boats were in line with the clubhouse on the foul tide beat, it was clear that North was paying, even having to come out into the current to sail around the town pontoons. Avalanche made the bold decision to give up the South shore, slotted into third as Beauty then Dublin bay lead the fleet around No.11. The Race Box came over the VHF to ask the new Fleet Captain if it would be an idea to shorten the course on completion of lap two. A short reply of ‘Negative’ came from the former lead boat now in fifth place.

Beauty lead all boats to the finish now all favouring the North shore upwind. Avalanche overtook Dublin Bay who were not so slick rounding No.3 the final time and Still Crazy passed Hands Off for fourth. Pageboy XI an uncharacteristic last place.

Saturday night at the RCYC was set aside for the end of season prize-giving and dinner and Noddy’s final duty as outgoing captain and the dawn of Ian and Gerry’s time in office. Great food once again from Chef Simon and the kitchen – we really are blessed in that department. Prizes awarded, a little gentle ribbing about who made what mistakes and of course the presentation of the Clanger. Two teams thought they were ‘nailed on’ for the Clanger but only one could win it. Congratulations Dublin Bay for the win. On the plus side you are unlikely to win it next year! A narrow escape (again) for Mudlark and great sport, Clive Page.

Sunday was bright and sunny if a little cold. We started in a gentle breeze that built to the forecast 14 gusting 20 as the race progressed. Once again Still Crazy showed the way to the first mark, Cliff, followed by Pageboy XI and Beauty. Taking the inside line back to No.13 Beauty took the lead for the next lap and a half. At No.13 the second time Pageboy XI tacked first from second place and lead at Cliff Reach not giving Beauty an option to pass before the finish. Still Crazy third, Avalanche fourth.

With a win and a second, Beauty picked up the final silverware of the season on a cold but sunny balcony. Pictures thanks to our own Paperazzo, Roger Mant.

Andrew ‘Noddy’ Norden