TOWARD SEASPORTS Club enjoyed two competitive races last week, with close finishes, challenging conditions and even an unexpected encounter with the Waverley adding to the action.
The club’s fifth Aran Series pursuit race took place on Thursday evening in sunshine and a steady breeze, with two dinghies and four keelboats taking to the water.
In the pursuit format, boats start at different times with the aim of finishing together at a predetermined time.
Kittiwake, an Optimist dinghy, was first away, followed by Purple Pixie, Wild Goose, Shady Lady, Parallel Motion and finally Saorsa.
Although Kittiwake was eventually overtaken by the rest of the fleet, there was plenty of action further up the field. Parallel Motion made steady progress, passing Shady Lady before overtaking Wild Goose with just a minute remaining.
Purple Pixie, skippered by C. Bair-Dean, claimed victory ahead of Parallel Motion, helmed by A. Marshall, while G. Judd’s Wild Goose finished third.
Saturday’s third keelboat series race provided a sterner test as a fresh, gusty breeze greeted four competitors.
The fleet was split into fast and slow handicap classes, with two boats competing in each.
After a closely contested start, the faster boats, Saorsa and Parallel Motion, quickly established themselves at the front of the fleet as they raced towards a navigation buoy off Ardyne Point.
While the forecast suggested winds would ease, conditions instead became increasingly blustery. With fewer crew on board, Selkie retired after the opening leg, leaving Wild Goose to complete the course unchallenged in the slow handicap class.
The battle for overall honours came down to Saorsa and Parallel Motion, with the lead changing hands several times during the two-and-a-half-hour race.
One of the race’s most memorable moments came when both yachts had a close encounter with the Waverley as the paddle steamer sailed along the Toward shore. Parallel Motion was forced into a premature gybe, while Saorsa completed a penalty turn, with passengers aboard the Waverley waving cheerfully, seemingly unaware of the disruption they had caused.
After an absorbing contest, Saorsa, skippered by A. Finlay, edged out Parallel Motion by the narrowest of margins to take victory in the fast handicap class.
Results
Aran Series 5: 1, – Purple Pixie (C. Bair-Dean); 2, – Parallel Motion (A. Marshall); 3, – Wild Goose (G. Judd).
Keelboat Series – Race 3
Slow handicap: 1, – Wild Goose (G. Judd)
Fast handicap: 1, – Saorsa (A. Finlay); 2, – Parallel Motion (A. Marshall).
