Ulster IOM Championships 1st & 2nd September 2012

Report by Gordon Neil

Irish IOM Association – The Noel Pantry Trophy

East Down Yacht Club is situated on western shores of Strangford Lough, South of Belfast and near the village of Killyleagh, County Down. This new r.c. sailing club is showing great enthusiasm and desire to develop our sport, especially in the International One Metre (IOM). The interest is being led by larger boat and older sailors who find that they can continue with competitive sailing without the expense and exertions of bigger boat ownership.

Not content to just enjoy sailing their IOMs, the Club decided to invest time and considerable effort in setting up and hosting “The Ulster IOM Championship”. This was a two day event held over the weekend of 1st and 2nd September, 2012. Twelve skippers from various clubs registered to compete including five from Scotland.

Racing commenced at 11.15am on the Saturday with light winds from the South, rapidly increasing in strength demanding an immediate change down to number two rig for the subsequent races. The control area was restricted to a floating pontoon running roughly North to South. Race Officer duties were spread among all the skippers, each skipper standing down to carry out the task and receiving a third place for his efforts.

It quickly became apparent that the major battle for the laurels would be between Pat Johnston of Greenock Model Yacht Club sailing his “Lintel” and Jeff Kay from Howth Yacht Club sailing his “Obsession”. Fifteen races were sailed on the first day with Jeff Kay finishing in the lead with 18pts, Pat Johnston with 23pts, Gordon Neil with 39pts and Gordon Allison with 42pts. The races were unusual, especially for the Scottish contingent, as strong tidal runs from the South were experienced throughout the day. The skill in “ferry gliding” was slowly acquired! Unfortunately due to spring tides a deal of heavy seaweed was encountered by various boats which drastically affected the results of individual races. Racing was also interrupted by the berthing of two full size yachts onto the pontoon.

Only six races were held on the second day with the wind having veered to the North West, being fairly light in strength and shifting at random. A suitable course was hard to determine due to the restricted sailing area. A compromise was achieved and racing commenced. The fleet opted to sail using the number one rig and it was a great pity that Jeff Kay was unable to sail on the second day although this to the relief of his main competitors! The top three skippers of the day were Pat Johnston of Greenock Model Yacht Club (the overall winner of the Nigel Pantry Trophy) sailing his Lintel, Gordon Allison from Paisley Model Yacht Club sailing a McShee and Gordon Neil of Ayr Bay Model Yacht Club also sailing a McShee, with 11pts, 11pts and 14pts respectively.

Home skippers Brian O’Neill & Don Howes struggled to find consistency on both days. However, Graeme Farrington’s newly-launched self design & build fared well in the Sunday’s lighter conditions until winch & other teething problems forced him to retire early.

A very enjoyable two days of racing was had by all. Congratulations and thanks are due to East Down Yacht Club for undertaking the organisation and implementation of the Event. It is hoped that the Club radio controlled sailing class will grow in strength and skills.

Results (including discards for the full 21 races)