On Saturday 11th September, Portaferry Sailing Club hosted its annual Boston Trophy event for Flying Fifteens. There was a good turnout of 14 boats who enjoyed a challenging three-race series in fresh but fluctuating winds.
Report by John Wilkinson, Commodore, Portaferry SC
The first race was a beat right across Strangford Lough and a run back. Neil Logan & Barry Bridges of Killyleagh Yacht Club and Peter Lawson & Jo Bridges of Portaferry Sailing Club took a different tack at the windward mark from most of the others, and this worked out as Neil and Barry narrowly beat Peter and Jo by a boat length with Andrew McCleary & Colin Dougan of Killyleagh Yacht Club coming in third.
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Peter Lawson & Jo Bridges of Portaferry Sailing Club with the winners’ trophy |
In races 2 and 3, the OOD added a gybe mark and an extra beat. In race 2, Peter and Jo sailed a fine race to win, with Philip & Anna Sandford of Strangford Sailing Club sailing well to come second, and Andrew and Colin again taking third place.
Peter and Jo got a flyer of a start in the third race and maintained their lead until the end, but they were under pressure all the way up the final beat from again Neil and Barry, who came in second, and Brian McKee & Stephen Martin of Strangford Lough Yacht Club, who finished third.
This was a fine display of sailing by all the competitors in sometimes flukey conditions and there were a couple of the elder statesmen of Flying Fifteen racing taking part, both septuagenarians, who often showed some of the younger competitors the way home.
All the competitors had a great day on the water and enjoyed good food and craic in the PSC clubhouse after the prizegiving.
The results were as follows:
First race winner: Neil Logan & Barry Bridges (KYC)
Second race winner: Peter Lawson & Jo Bridges (PSC)
Third race winner: Peter Lawson & Jo Bridges (PSC)
Overall Result: 1st Peter Lawson & Jo Bridges (PSC), 2nd Neil Logan & Barry Bridges (KYC) and 3rd Andrew McCleary & Colin Dougan (KYC).
The committee of Portaferry Sailing Club wish to extend their thanks to all the competitors, Victor Boston, the Officer of the Day, John McAlea and his crew, the Routen Wheel Restaurant, and all those who gave of their time to ensure a successful and enjoyable event.
