Saturday 25 Jan 25 saw the fourth day of the Icicles25 dinghy race series at EDYC sponsored by WaveRides Belfast.
It was a struggle on many aspects but the day’s event was enjoyed by the competing sailors. Getting to the club for some was a navigation feat as many roads were blocked ( Shrigley, Alphabet trees, Balloo). At the club there was no electricity and a reduced number of boats launched (14), but we had gas for the soup and heating – Icicles is in the name. The launch team worked efficiently in the bright sunlight and falling tide.
EDYC is known as being a family club and at least three familys had two generations on the water on Saturday
The pic shows the classic pre-start arrangement with the committee boat identified by an orange flag, the class prepared by the class flag T (Topper) and the competitors behind the committee boat.
The useful breeze forecast as 12 knots gusting 18 from the SW was excellent and only one capsise was experienced. This contrasted with the previous wind which caused a mess in the dinghy section of the boat yard ( some said 90 mph Storm Eowyn ).
The Sailing Instructions have been amended (24/01/25) allowing a shorter downwind leg for the smaller dinghys.
Competitors and staff are in communication via whatsapp groups and many more pics are there. Its great to have encouraging comments such as – Nice day for it! Good crowd and slick shore side help. Thanks edyc. The day finished with soup and chatting in the clubhouse.
