The annual Malahide Dinghy Regatta attracted over 95 boats from as far afield as Tipperary. The event which is usually held in August was moved to October to take advantage of the ideal sailing conditions on the Broadmeadows estuary at this time of the year.
The venue did not disappoint and neither did the huge volunteer effort required to stage an event such as this. Three highly competitive races, with seven different classes of boat, were run under the careful guidance of Race Officer Neil Murphy. In the largest class, the Optimist, sailed by the youngest competitors, it was the National Champion, Conor Cronin who was to the fore winning two out of three races. The newest member of the Topper fleet Súin NíChoistealbha (MYC) shone as she took first place. A clean sweep in the ILCA 4 class for the Royal St. George Yacht Club had Patrick Foley at the head of the pack and over in the ILCA 6 fleet the age old rivalry of James Anglim (MYC) and Sophie Kilmartin (MYC) was renewed with James just edging Sophie out in the last race this time. Darragh Kelleher from Skerries Sailing Club led the way in the ILCA 7’s and the duo of Kate Campion and Amelie Soffe (MYC) take honours in the PY Fleet.
Meanwhile the Regatta Fleet sailors took to their Optimists in the estuary under the watchful eye of their Race Officer, Graham Smith. The youngsters of the sailing world are no less competitive and Arthur Fegan (MYC) was a clear leader with three wins out of four. It’s not all about racing in this fleet and prizes for sportsmanship and fair play are just as important a feature.
Both Commodore Ciaran O’Reilly and event Chairman, Paddy Ryan were delighted with the Regatta success and agreed that it was testament to the phenomenal work of the volunteers and membership of the club.
Many volunteers, on boats, in the clubhouse, managing parking, helping the sailors, all made for a hospitable atmosphere and successful event.
A link to the results can be found here - https://www.sailwave.com/results/2022MYCDR.htm
