Mucky Duck looks one to beat after race hat-trick
Bruce Mathews’ foresight in deciding to launch, ultimately proved correct as the forecasted force two to three materialised after just a short postponement and held up throughout the day allowing a total of four races to be completed in quick succession.
With the windward mark located in the direction of James’s Fort, due to a relatively persistent north-westerly breeze and the ebbing tide, the windward-leeward course served to maximise the unique features of Kinsale Harbour, where attention to the tidal effects is always a factor. Consequently, in the initial races, the favoured side of the boat was left along the land from Moneypoint to James’s Fort. As the ebbing tide slackened, choosing right along Charles Fort would prove a successful option for a few observant crews.
Squib Fleet racing on the day was dominated by James and Bruce Mathews (KYC) in Mucky Duck, as their consistently excellent starts and ability to improve their lead when ahead was the foundation of their three wins in the first three races. With a total of five wins to date and 10 points overall in the series, they have quickly emerged as the team to beat.
In second place overall on 19 points are Marcus and Meagan Hutchinson (KYC) in Sensation. Though starting well in the second race, which gave them the advantage on the first beat, a penalty had to slacken at the windward mark which led ultimately to a fifth-place finish. However, other consistent results of two seconds and a third have moved them from third to second place overall.
Two points behind overall are Colm Dunne & Mark Buckley (KYC) in Yacht Services, who despite dropping a series place have stayed well in contention with a second and two fourths.
Winning tactic of the day must go to Victor Fusco and Michele Kennelly (KYC) in Best Mates, who bucked the trend by heading right, across the slackening tide, and found themselves lifted to first place at the windward mark from where they maintained the lead to the finish. Showing consistent racing with three additional third places, their overall score was second only to leader James Mathews.
Ronan Kenneally (MBSC) continued his advance at the top of the Laser Standard series with another flawless performance as he took line honours in all four races. Fellow club sailor Robert Howe maintained his overall second position, with three seconds, despite dropping to third in the third race. In that race James Long (ISKC) took second spot, and with three thirds in the other races maintains his third position overall. Equally, 2011 National Laser 4.7 Champion Seafra Guilfoyle (RCYC), competing this year in the Radial Fleet, also stretched his overall lead with a clean sweep of four wins on Sunday. With the first discard now applying, allowing him to discount an untypical fifth from before, his six wins to date gives him in a comfortable lead.
Taking advantage of the depleted Radial field, Breifne Muldoon (KYC) had an excellent run with three seconds and a third, allowing him to jump from sixth in the league to second. Eoin Cotter (KYC), with three thirds and a second, moved up from seventh to third overall.
Laser 4.7 leader Cian Byrne (RCYC) increased his advantage in this fleet with two wins in the first two races, followed by two seconds in the last two. Ross O’Sullivan (KYC) was the winner in that final two, but unfortunately had two fourths earlier. Taking the one discard into consideration, he is still in contention, however, three points behind overall.
Sorcha Ní Shuilleabhain (KYC) holds onto her third position with a series of consistent results of a second and three thirds. The ASM Frostbite League at KYC continues over the next two Sundays. The Sailing Instructions allow for 12 races to complete the series, with a possible three discards to apply. First gun is at 11.55am.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
