East Down YC host successful regatta at Strangford Lough

East Down YC host successful regatta at Strangford Lough

14 August 2024

THE East Down Yacht Club hosted a spectacular regatta at Strangford Lough at the weekend. 

The event took full advantage of the pleasantly warm and breezy weather, and featured an impressive line-up of 14 races with over 90 boats competing amidst the stunning back of Holme Bay, Killyleagh’s Town Rock, and the picturesque Drumlins.

Sailors faced a challenging course characterised by shifting winds and currents. Races commenced southward towards Killyleagh’s Town Rock, then veered northwest towards Strangford and Portaferry, ultimately concluding in the beautiful waters of Holme Bay.

As members of the Strangford Lough Regatta Programme, the regatta’s success was attributed to the spirited participation of sailors and the robust support from local yacht clubs. 

The dedicated EDYC team efficiently managed logistics and provided crucial assistance, ensuring a seamless experience for all involved. 

Special recognition was given to the race officers for their skilled and impartial oversight of the races.

As Saturday’s event wrapped up, the sense of camaraderie and celebration among participants underscored the regatta’s vibrant spirit. 

The EDYC regatta stood out as a memorable highlight of sailing and community engagement.

Strangford Lough EDYC Regatta overall results 

Cruiser YTC1: 1st GTR II; 2nd Hindsight II; 3rd Just Do I. 

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

Flying Fifteen: 1st Foxtrot Oscar; 2nd Final Fling; 3rd Gweebarra. 

Cruiser YTCRS 1: 1st Kilcuan; 2nd Dark and Scary; 3rd Yabba Dabba Do. 

Rivers: 1st Laragh; 2nd Quoile; 3rd Gweebarra. 

Glens: 1st Glen Moyle; 2nd Glen Cuan; 3rd Glen Shiel. 

Squib: 1st Blue; 2nd Volante; 3rd Slipstream. 

Cruiser YTCRS2: 1st Scampalong; 2nd Whisper; 3rd Genesis. 

Leisure 17: 1st Little Boat; 2nd Bumble; 3rd Alison D. 

Dinghy 1: 1st Laser 211133; 2nd Water Wisp; 3rd Swifter. 

Dinghy 2: 1st Laser 4.7 179330; 2nd Topper 5.3 46428; 3rd Topper 5.3 25571.

The excitement continued into Sunday, as the local youth showcased their sailing skills in the EDYC’s round of the Strangford Lough Youth Series. 

Under clear skies and a warm sun, the competitors faced a moderate breeze coming from the west, setting the perfect stage for exciting races.

A total of 33 boats took to the start line at 1pm, ready to compete in three races across two classes. 

The impressive turnout highlighted the dedication and enthusiasm of our young sailors, who demonstrated the development in talent and sportsmanship throughout the event.

The success of the day was made possible by the outstanding cooperation among the surrounding clubs, which worked together to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the teams and volunteers who provided invaluable support both on and off the water, contributing to a memorable experience for everyone involved.

As the series continues, the club looks forward to witnessing more exciting displays of sailing from the youth.

Strangford Lough Youth Series overall results 

Opi: 1st Anna Williams, SLYC; 2nd Ollie Cook, SLYC. 

Topper 4.2: 1st Livia Westhead, SLYC. 

Topper 5.3: 1st Kate Jennings, EDYC; 2nd William Scott, SLYC; 3rd Ben Groves, EDYC.

Feva: 1st Archie and Max, KYC; 2nd Maya and William, KYC. 

Feva XL: 1st Sam and Daniel, EDYC; 2nd Charlie and Allannah, EDYC; 3rd Orion and George, EDYC. 

Laser 4.7: 1st Ella Fitzgerald, The National Yacht Club Dublin; 2nd Rose Kelly, EDYC; 3rd Caitlin Kearney, SSC. 

Laser Radial: 1st Autumn Haliday, SLYC; 2nd Ella Fitzpatrick, KYC; 3rd Patrick Cooper, SLYC.