The final race of the Strangford Lough Regatta Series 2022 was held last Saturday 27th Aug at East Down Yacht Club’s Holme Bay sailing area in the South of Strangford Lough.
Some 70 plus boats took part and although the weather forecast was for virtually no wind a steady breeze stayed throughout the day which allowed for some competitive racing.
The regatta featured competitors ranging from 14 to 90 years of age from around the lough.
There were some close starts including the Rivers and Glens from SLYC and a great turnout for a revitalised class of Leisure 17s with ten boats competing in that class. The Hunter Impala’s fleet made a fine sight with spinnakers flying as they made their way up the lough to Mark 9.
There was also a good turnout in the Large Dinghy/ Wayfarer class with 11 boats jockeying for position. Lawrence Denyer and Jamie from EDYC was victorious in his Wayfarer for the second year in a row.
EDYC was buzzing after the racing with many crews coming ashore for hospitality, sandwiches and buns. Before prizegiving everyone was entertained by Bangor Ukes.
Club Vice commodore Keith Carr presented the prizes and he and Keith Maxwell thanked everyone, both on and off the water, for making the event a success.
After prizegiving, a well attended BBQ was held with catering was provided by local butcher Alfie Murray.
The evening entertainment was rounded off with guitarist/ singer Kyle John Suckling.
Results follow – listing the first 3 in each class – photos – see here link
IRC1
1st Go To Red Peter Holden SLYC
2nd Le Basculer Mike Spence KYC
3rd Lion John Dixon EDYC
IRC2
1st Maverick John Patterson EDYC
2nd Mipaal Stephen Lynn EDYC
3rd Alcyone P Thompson & M Watson EDYC
NHC1
1st Midnight Express Scott Hagan SLYC
2nd Galeforce J Curran PSC
3rd Flashpoint James Murray PSC
Flying Fifteen
1st Fer Fox Sake H Baker & P Chamberlain SLYC
NHC2
1st Meltemi Jack Kennedy SLYC
2nd Scallywag David Courtney EDYC
3rd Triad Robert Darnley SLYC
NHC1RS
1st Dark and Scary Stephen Andrews SLYC
2nd L’eau Life Kyle Baxter EDYC
3rd Nik Nak Trevor Hooks KYC
River
1st Laragh Kenny & Sonia Smyth SLYC
2nd Uladh Peter Burrows SLYC
3rd Gweebarra Cunningham, Marten & Brooks SLYC
Glen
1st Glenoe J Gilmore SLYC
2nd Glen Orchy Phil & Jenny Martin SLYC
3rd Glen Lark Richard Aiken SLYC
NHC2RS
1st Little Boat Matthew Patterson EDYC
2nd Avalon David Moore KSC
Large Dinghy/ Wayfarer < 1134 & under
1st Swifter Lawrence Denyer EDYC
2nd Majo
3rd Hart Beat Gordon Jess EDYC
Leisure 17
1st Minstrel Roy Edwards EDYC
2nd Yogi David Hinds EDYC
3rd Heidi Q Terry Ingles EDYC
Small Dinghy >1135 & over
1st 202052 Sam Kelly EDYC
Topper
1st 46718 Caitlyn SSC
2nd 4654 Gloria McKinnon
Strangford Lough Youth Series
This year’s final leg of the event was hosted at EDYC. With over 30 young sailors lining up on the start for a great days sailing. In fair conditions RO Keith Maxwell delivered 3 challenging races. The final results meant it would be close between EDYC and KYC. But under the watchful eye of the Results Officer Angela Gilmore it would be the youth of East Down Yacht Club who won the series for 2022. Everyone agreed it was a perfect ending to a wonderful weekend.
