National Yacht Club

The Optimist Ulster Championships, the first regional event of the year, was held last weekend 25^th and 26^th May in the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Co. Down. Ten sailors from the National Yacht Club travelled up to the event and raced over the two days. Loghlen Rickard, Dara Donnelly, Nicola Ferguson and Cliona Coyle sailed in the senior fleet while Clare Gorman, Luke Rickard and Leah Rickard sailed in the junior fleet. Conor Gorman, Hugh O’Connor and Fiona Ferguson sailed in the regatta fleet. On the first day of the event the sun shone beautifully. The sailors however, had to wait 2 hours on the water before commencing a race due to lack of wind, but finally the wind filled in and the racing began. The sailors had to race in very shifty wind conditions and against a very strong tide but they managed to get in two races on day 1 of the event, with winds varying from 2-14 knots. Day 2 brought steadier winds and 3 races took place, to the delight of all the sailors. The senior event (35 entrants) was won by Johnny Durcan (RCYC) while NYC sailor  Loghlen Rickard came 7^th overall, with a bullet in the fourth race. Nicola Ferguson came 13^th overall and got a prize for 2^nd place senior silver, Dara Donnelly came 14^th and Cliona Coyle came 29^th.  All fabulous results in such a competitive fleet. The junior event (42 entrants) was won by our own, Clare Gorman. She raced beautifully over the two days and came home with 1^st place. Luke Richard came 11^th and his little sister Leah Richard came 34^th. Well done to all three. The regatta event (20 entrants) was won by NYC junior, Conor Gorman. Hugh O’Connor came 6^th and Fiona Ferguson came 9^th. David and Sarah Gorman must be very happy, proud parents after this weekend with daughter and son winning the junior and regatta fleets. On Saturday night, all the NYC families went out for dinner, to celebrate a great weekend, in the Cultra Inn and had a most enjoyable evening out. The weekend was a great success and enjoyed by all!