Perfect conditions for Autumn League

SPLENDID warm sunshine and gentle breezes gave perfect conditions for the skippers and crews on the 140 boats which took to the water for the second race of the C.H. Marine Autumn League series at Royal Cork, boosted because this was also the final race of the SCORA season long leagues.

Race officer Donal McClement got all the fleets off to a clean start first time, with a gentle beat to the Harp mark following by a reach to the C.H. Marine mark where the wind fell away to almost nothing. This, coupled with a strong filling tide, made the leg to Ringabella crucial. Most went the westerly route but those who fared best jibed at the C.H. Marine mark and headed in harbour before jibing again prior to the tide taking them in too far. The wind later picked up again to ten knots with a pleasant beat back to the C.H. Marine mark.

As on the opening day, Anthony O’Leary on his 1720 Ford Racing again sailed an almost perfect race and went on to win Class One IRC from the McCarthy Brothers on Checkmate by 46 seconds. Former club Admiral Conor O’Donovan on X-Tension won Echo, despite some problems near the Harp, with Checkmate second.