Lough Foyle Yacht Club

Series N is a special series timed to match the GP14 Ireland Series.

Races 13+14 19/08/19
Kevin T sailing well today with some stunning reaches in a good breeze. Today concludes Series N. Congratulations to Ken and Davy/Peter L on a good win. A nice set of results for Kevin T also.

Races 11+12 17/08/19
No racing today. Gale.

Races 9+10 10/08/19
Just one race today, big separation in the boats. I was not there but suspect that the wind may have dropped and the second race was abandoned.

Races 7+8 03/08/19
Close racing today with Anton and Joy very close to Ken and Davy and Kevin and George also very close to each other.

Races 5+6 11/05/19
Congratulations to the M family who were out in force today. Ciaran and Ben M sailed well and got the win in Race 2. Special congratulations to Eva M who marked up her first result as a solo sailor today, sailingthe club Topper – I feel sure we will more from Eva.

Races 3+4 11/05/19
Anton H and Joy W held on to edge out Aidan O D in Race 1. The tables were reversed in Race 2.

Races 1+2 27/04/19
Cancelled due to excessive wind and horrible weather

Racing Saturday 29/06/19 Races 11 and 12/ Dinghy Regatta

Todays racing concludes Series B. Congratulations to Ken and Davy L who win the series. Today was also the LFYC Dinghy Regatta so Congratulations to Ken and Dvay L who win that also. Great to see Kevin and Caoimhe L out sailing today. Anton H sailing today in his Laser failed to do a 720 after a starboard incident and decided he would retire in Race 1. He had better luck in Race 2. Ciaran and Ben M were sailing very well in Race 1.

Racing Saturday 07/05/19 Races 9 and 10

Four boats sailing. The GPs were very close to each other in both races.

Racing Saturday 02/05/19 Races 7 and 8

I cannot remember the details of this days sail. However from the OD notes I can see that Race 1 took over 1 hour.  Race 2 by contrast took just 23 mins.

Racing Thursday 18/04/19

Much the same conditions as Tuesday with two boats racing in light winds. The second race was abandoned due to light winds. George G was sailing but not racing.

Racing 16/04/19

Three boats racing in light winds. The second race was abandoned due to light winds.

Racing 04/04/19

No racing this evening due to inclement conditions 🙁

Racing 02/04/19

Evening racing started for the year tonight at 7.00pm. Just one race was held before darkness. It was windy (F4) and choppy with wind against tide. Anton H was sailing in his GP14 for the first time this season with Joy W. A technical matters slowed them down on the first beat but they soon recovered and made it round the course in good time.

The weather was truly nasty, squally and cold, when we were getting ready but once on the water it was grand.

Sat 20/04/18 Series A

Sailing from the perch to Fahan to Conniborrow to the Power station. Very strong ebb tide. Light winds. First race took 40 minutes. The OD shortened the race but not because of the light winds but rather because of a large freighter leaving the Port of Derry.  Three boats stayed on the far side of the channel and waited for the ship and tug to pass. In the second race the tide grew even stronger and some boats retired. Anto H and Joy W made it around the mark at Fahan only with great difficulty.

Congratulations to James P H and Alan T who win Series A

News came in via WhatsApp while we were sailing that Orla O D had given birth to a baby girl. Congratulations to Orla and Aidan O D and welcome to the world Miss Baby O D.

Sat 13/04/18 Series A

Sailing cancelled due to inclement weather

Sat 06/04/18 Series A

A bright windy day. Sailing to Conniborrow, reach across to Fahan back down to the start and around Leonards mark. X2. James and Alan established a good lead in race 1 and sailed very well. Bill and James sailed very well in race 2 closely followed by Ken and Davy L. Great to see George G out in race 2 in his Solo. Many thanks to OD Peter F and rescue cover Liam H. Without them we cannot sail, their work is greatly appreciated.

Sat 30/03/18 Series A

A fine day, with a good breeze. Sailing down the river to Conniborrow and Fahan. Aidan O D LFYC handicap has been adjusted to 1165. Ken L slipped in the boat and took a knock but still managed a very good place in race two. Race two had to be restarted as Bill and James J (I quote from the ODs notes) “went arseways around the marks”. A considerable technical achievement in a sailing boat – when you think about it! Commodore James P H and Alan T are sailing very well. Series A will be closely contested!

A special baby shower event was taking place in Maureen L’s house at the same time as the racing. The hospitality was excellent and the event went very well.

Sat 23/03/18 Series A

An early start with a 9.00am gun. 7 boats. Nice to see Owen McC in a Phantom and going well. A few adjustments to the LFYC handicap have been made. GP14s sailing on PY have been lowered from 1133 to 1130 in line with RYA recommendations. Aidan O D and Anton Hs Lasers have been reduced from 1185 to 1170 reflecting recent performances. Great to see George G back again for another year of sailing and going well in the Solo.

Start of season brings out all the new stuff. Congratulations to:
James P H who tried out a nice new fixed rudder,
Anton H who got a nice new Laser sail.
Owen McC had a first sail in a phantom.
Bill and James J launched their new GP14. Good luck guys, the boat looks great.
Ken Louden launched the first year of his 7th decade, congratulations to him, he is an advert for the health benefits of GP14 sailing!

Two great races were held in fine conditions. F3. Sailing in Culmore bay. A mark was laid over by the docks. A big tide was the reason for the early start and it showed in the second race. Getting around the mark at Harts proved to be a tricky task. Aidan O D came across the fleet on starboard in race one at the start of the race and held onto the lead throughout the race. James P H and Alan T showing fine form with a good win in Race 2. many thanks to Peter F as OD and Liam H as rescue cover. Thanks also to James P H whose fishing boat was used as the rescue boat until the LFYC boat is recovered from its winter storage.

Sat 16/03/18 The first race of the season

A cold and blustery day. Four boats braved it. Racing in Culmore bay. Aidan O D and Anton H sailing in Lasers, James P/Alan T and Ken L/Davy L sailing in GP14s. Everybody feeling a bit rusty. First capsize of the season award goes to Aidan O D. He recovered well and then got a great run and passed out everyone who were busy making life difficult for each other. Anton H lucky to stay in the boat after a double jibe mistake at the leeward mark. Ken and Davy L missed a mark and were dsq in Race 1

Second race started into a squall. James and Alan got line honours who are sailing very well, closely followed by Aidan O D. All boats finished very close to each other in both races.

James P/Alan T tried out a new fixed blade rudder and Anton H tried out a new sail. LFYC handicap was rolled over from last year with GP14s sailing on PY of 1133 and Anton H and Aidan O D lasers sailing at 1180.

Many thanks to Big Pete as OD and Liam H as rescue skipper.

Races start on time: The time of the race start indicated is the time of the five minute gun. It is up to sailors and crew to be on the water and in the proximity of start line. The OD (depends who it is, take your chances) will (probably) not wait!

Rescue Coxwain: Liam Harrigan (unless stated)
OD: Peter Fallon Snr (unless stated)

REGATTAS
SHROVE – 4 & 5 AUGUST
MOVILLE – 6 AUGUST
GREENCASTLE – 18 & 19 AUGUST
CULMORE – TO BE ARRANGED

GP 14 EVENTS
14 & 15 APRIL – O’TIARNAIGH CHALLENGE
12 & 13 MAY – ULSTERS
9 & 10 JUNE – PURCELL
7 & 8 JULY – LEINSTERS
28 JULY-3 AUGUST – WORLDS
18-20 AUGUST – IRISH
15 & 16 SEPTEMBER – AUTUMN OPEN / YOUTHS
13 & 14 OCTOBER – HOT TODDY

2017 Race reports (archive)
2016 Race reports (archive)
2015 Race reports (archive)
2014 Race reports (archive)
2013 Race reports (archive)
2012 Race reports (archive),
2011 Race reports (archive),
2010 Race reports (archive)

Race 9, 24/11/18

This was the last race of the frostbite series. It was sailed in very light winds so just one race was sailed today. Starting at the Perch, beat up to Faughan, over to Conniborrow run back up to Leonards mark against the tide. Congratulations to Aidan O D who won the race today and the Frostbite series overall. Many thanks to all who sailed and to Ken L and the OD and Coxswain.

That’s it folks for another year. A great seasons sailing, see you all in March for the 2019 season.

Race 7, 8, 17/11/18

Light to medium winds today, bright sunshine, not really like a frostbite race at all. Race 1 was in culmore bay. Race 2 went down the river.

Anton H got out in front in Race 1 but had to mount a defence as winds dropped and Aidan O D made a nice counter move down the quay.

The tide had a greater effect in Race 2 with a course change to try stay in strong breeze. George G took back a place on handicap.

We all returned to the club house for coffee and were delighted to encounter a plate of buttered scones. Many thanks to Ken and Maureen L.

The current LFYC handicap is:

Aidan O D, Anton H and Kevin T are all on 1185. The club laser with Bill J is 1190. George G in the Solo is set to 1256.

Adjustment:

I am going to reduce Anton H and Aidan O D to 1180 from here onwards.

Race 6, 10/11/18

Todays sailing was very problematic, there was little or no wind and a very strong tide. Congratulations to James H who completed the course. There is a great video on LFYC Facebook group showing Aidan O D doing battle against the strength of the tide.

Race 4, 5 03/11/18

Two bullets for Aidan O D. Heavy enough breeze (F5). A few swimmers. Anton H went over to Leeward while running down from Harts. Aidan O D got blown over in a gust near the power station. Kevin T had a swim at the start line. It was that sort of day. All recovered well and sailed on. Many thanks to Liam H on rescue and Peter F as OD. Thanks also to Ken L helping out on shore. Coffee and biscuits afterwards. Nice.

Race 1,2,3 27/10/18

So here it is; The frostbite Series 2018. The entires this year are Aidan O D, Anton H, George G, Kevin T, Bill J, and others who show up on any particular day. Good luck to them all.

Day one had three races and started with a blast. Winds varied from zero to very heavy, nearly unsailable. Anton H and Aidan O D battled it out in Race 1 with Anton H just coming in ahead. Kevin T had a bit of a nightmare day and I think may have gone for a swim. Aidan O D and Anton H reversed roles in Race 2. Several people were over the line with a strong tide tending to push boats over. They came back and eventually the OD cleared the line and lowered the flags. There were periods where there was little or no wind, but it was short lull. It was gusty all day. A squall came through at the end of race two and it got very heavy. Two boats showed up on the line for race three. Anton H got very stuck in irons after missing a tack in high winds and did well to stay in the boat.

The course featured the Culmore Olympic Triangle starting at the perch up to Leonards mark reaching over to the power station then run up to a mark at the old quay then across to a boat mooring near the new club house then back and around the corner to Leonards Mark. Wind against tide caused good sized waves to form as the boats reached across from Leonards to the power station.

A beautiful day for the Hot Toddy. Bright and breezy as per shown in this photo taken by Aidan O D while onboard a Port and Docks tug boat (awarded a LFYC handicap of -3million).

Three excellent races were held. Ciaran and Eva M were sailing very well scoring their first win and coming second overall. Well done guys. James and Alan were also sailing very well and won the Hot Toddy overall.

We retired to the new club house where a BBQ was held and Hot Toddys were kindly dispensed. Many thanks to George D for the hospitality and also to Fiona and Tracy and Alan and James H for the BBQ. Great to see James J out in the club laser.

Many thanks also to Liam H and Peter F who acted today and throughout the year as Coxswain and OD.

Race 7+8 Series G 13/10/18

Sailing beating up to Faughan, reach over to Conniborrow and run back to Leonards Mark. A light breeze (F2/3). Todays racing concludes Series G. Congratulations to Aidan O D who wins the series. Ken and Davy L came in second. Kevin T was going very well in his Laser today and just pipped Anton H and Joy W for a podium finish.

Race 5+6 Series G 06/10/18

Racing today in Culmore bay x3 laps. A nice breeze (F3/4).  Great battles between Aidan O D and Anton H (sailing in his Laser) with honours even. Kevin T also going well in his Laser. Congratulations to Ken and Peter L who own both races. A strong tide in Race 2 pushed a number of boats over the line. They went back and the flag was cleared by the OD. Great to see James J out in the club laser.

Race 3+4 Series G 29/09/18

Aidan O D and Ken and Peter L had a hard fought battle at the top of the fleet. the boats finished within seconds of each other with Aidan O D coming out on top on Handicap. Ciaran and Eva M sailing very well

Race 1+2 Series G 22/09/18

And so begins the last series of the year. Aidan O D and Kevin T were both going very well in their Lasers. Sailing to Faughan and Conniborrow – a nice reaching course. Aidan O D came in first across the line in both races, nice sailing! Most boats opted to stay out of the tide, but Aidan O D managed to sail straight into the tide and come out on top!

A long course down to Faughan and Conniborrow in a gentle breeze that fell away to very light by the end of the second race. The first race was close with first boat at 43.22 and last boat just over 50 minutes. The second race times tell the story of the dropping wind. First in at 51.09, last in at 71.32 and one DNF.
Well done to James P H and Alan T who won the race overall. They were drawn on points with Aidan O D but were awarded the win by greater differential on times across the two races. The GP also had line honours in both races. There was also a draw with George Gilmour and Ciaran and Eva M. It was settled in the same way (combined time of races).

Many thanks to Peter F and Liam H for OD and Rescue duties.

Culmore Regatta 2018 also marked the Grand Opening of the new club house and new changing rooms.

In his comments LFYC Commodore Bill Johnson thanked the Port Authority and the Loughs Agency for their support in development of the new facilities. The Commodore also specifically thanked Kevin Lynch and Peter Fallon who implemented the project on behalf of LFYC.

Andrew Sides for the Loughs Agency said that he sees the club as an important part of a continuing Maritime story in Lough Foyle. He said he was particularly pleased to hear about younger members from LFYC making their lives on the sea, in the Port, in yacht architecture, in environmental conservation projects, in shipping and engineering and at the highest levels in dinghy racing.

Capt Bill McCann for the Port Authority said that he looks forward to LFYC continuing its efforts in racing and in introducing young and novice sailors to the great experience of sailing.

The Punt racing this year was won by James H/James P H/Kevin L. They might have had a clean sweep bar some nice sailing by Roy L and crew. Great to see Gretta McT out sailing with John McG. (Close action on the start line Pictured below. Punts with their shallow draft and slender beam are ideal for sailing close to the shore and dodging the tide)

Great to see Josh P from Newtonards sailing with Owen McC in the Dinghy races. Congratulations to James P H and Alan T who own the Frank Long cup and to the Gallagher brothers who won Magnet Bar cup. great to see Kevin and Caoimhe L out sailing also.

The weather was fine with sunshine and a steady F2/3 breeze. Many thanks to the OD (Big Pete) and the assistant OD (Sean McC). Many thanks to Joan D and George C who stepped down from duties this year after many excellent years in the role. Thanks also to the Liam H and George D on rescue cover. Thanks to all who helped out with the hospitality. The marquee this year was located on the new concrete surface and worked very well. As usual, perhaps most importantly the Culmore regatta was a fantastic social occasion with great conversations and hospitality made seamless and easy by volunteers who were not sailing.

This years Foyle Festival Cup was won by Ken and Davy L in a close battle with James P H and Alan T. George G almost gave them all a fright in his Solo! Last years cup was blown out so we have missed a year. Ken and Davy L also won in 2016 so they retain the trophy. Well sailed Gents! Well sailed also to Ciaran and Eva M. They are getting better every time they go out. Thanks to Liam H as rescue coxswain and Peter F as OD.

Memory Lane: Foyle Festival Cup 2011