86 boats line up for East Down’s annual regatta

86 boats line up for East Down’s annual regatta

6 August 2025

SATURDAY dawned bright and clear over East Down Yacht Club, setting the perfect stage for its much-anticipated annual regatta.

With a steady south-westerly breeze and blue skies overhead, the conditions promised a memorable day on the water.

An impressive fleet of 86 boats gathered to compete across 13 diverse classes, filling the start line with colour, energy, and anticipation.

Early light airs led to some tense moments and close-quarters manoeuvring, sparking both tactical intrigue and a touch of apprehension among crews.

But just 50 yards off the line, the breeze filled in beautifully, transforming the race into a showcase of skill and speed.

Cruiser classes recorded boat speeds exceeding six knots, making for exhilarating sailing and tight competition throughout the day.

With one of the largest one-design fleets on the lough, East Down Yacht Club’s very own Leisure 17 class delivered a strong showing at this year’s regatta, with 12 boats lining up for a fiercely contested start.

From the off, the fleet jostled for position, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere. In the dash to the windward mark, the leading boats found themselves in close quarters, resulting in a penalty for one vessel following an infringement.

As the front runners pulled ahead, the remainder of the fleet engaged in a dynamic battle for position, with places changing hands throughout the following legs – each gain or loss dictated by tactical choices and shifting breezes.

Following the prize-giving ceremony and a lively barbecue on the clubhouse terrace, the atmosphere at East Down Yacht Club was one of pure celebration.

Competitors, crews, and supporters gathered to toast the day’s racing achievements, sharing stories of close calls, tactical triumphs, and windward battles.

The evening’s entertainment brought everyone together for was a fitting end to a spirited day on Strangford Lough.

Results

YTC1: 1st Le Basculer, 2nd Going To Red, 3rd Sea Jade.

YTC 2: 1st Self Expression, 2nd Mississippi, 3rd Club Coffee.

YTC RS: 1st Yabba Dabba Doo, 2nd Kilcuan, 3rd Chorusline.

YTC 2 RS: 1st Shawanaga, 2nd Kili, 3rd Screwball.

Impala: 1st Wild Mustard, 2nd Maverick, 3rd Vela.

Flying 15: 1st Foxtrot Oscar, 2nd Fflapping Eagle, 3rd Double Trouble.

Leisure 17: 1st Orby 2, 2nd Zerda, 3rd Wee John.

Squib: 1st Slipstream.

Glen: 1st Glen Oe, 2nd Glen Shiel, 3rd Glen Aan.

Rivers: 1st Strule.

Dinghy PY1141 and under: 1st Mojo, 2nd Minstral 2, 3rd Brainwave.

Dinghy PY1142 and over: 1st 130537, 2nd 4217, 3rd 06.