Patches leads the way

A report from the opening day of Dun Laoghaire Regatta

Minister John O'Donoghue and the four host Club Commodores officially opened the event on the balcony of the Royal St George Yacht Club this afternoon. A spectacular fleet of 400 boats then set sail towards the six race courses spread throughout Dublin Bay.

Light westerly winds with flat water greeted the various fleets for the opening races of the event. Patches, Eamon Conneelly's TP52 showed impressive light wind speed in Class 0 as they led the Handicap fleets off the start line on the Bullock course. Boats then headed for the shore at Sandycove, hoping to avoid the strong tide. Spectators in Sandycove and the 40 foot had close up views of the race boats as they tacked with yards of the shore before heading out into the bay.

Racing also took place in Salthill and across the bay at Sutton. Close racing was the order of the day on the One Design course. Tim Goodbody, sailing White Mischief got off to a great start with win in the only race of the day for the Sigma 33s. Visiting boat and pre-event favourites in the First 31.7 fleet, Checkmate, won their first race.

Racing took place in most other classes but light winds and the afternoon start have meant results are late coming in.

The event is kindly supported by Failte Ireland, Sherry Fitzgerald, Affinity Insurance, Heineken, Mumm Champagne and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company.