Lough Foyle Yacht Club

Racing today was cancelled due to storm conditions.

The final Series I race will be counted at the Hot Toddy event instead

Racing in Culmore Bay. Exceptionally gusty and fluky wind conditions ranging from near nothing to F5. Great race for the finish line between Bill J and Anton H at end of first race. In the second race a gust knocked over Kevin and James L and very nearly everyone else. Kevin and James L got her back up without any problems.  Anton H was very lucky to stay in the Phantom at the Gibe mark just managing to hold on as the boat rolled wildly. Many thanks to George G for OD and rescue.

Not a great day when we arrived, rain and dull but as we got the boats ready it stopped raining and brightened….with a F3/4Westerly giving very nice sailing conditions. Sailing in Culmore bay. Many thanks to Ken D for being OD.

A nice F2/3 blowing from the NW. Starting at the perch, down to fahan, over to conniborrow, back to powerstation X2.
Bridget J managed the spinaker with great skill – amazing for a first time out this year, great to see her down at the club. Many thanks to Mark and Owen McCauley for being OD and rescue.
A training session was held after the races with a number of junior sailors being introduced to the club. Bill J acted as OD with help from James H Jnr, James L and Owen McC.

A very windy day. It was one of those days where we nearly didnt go, but in the end after much discussion boats were launched. In race one Anton H, capsized (good recovery) but then at the jibe mark came around fast and broke the kicker on the Phantom and was forced to retire. In race two Anthony G and Theresa were blown over in a big gust, which then made its way down the course and knocked over Anton H also. Both boats recovered well. George G went for a swim also getting overpowered on the last lap reach in his Solo. A great days sailing fun, with burst of real speed, everone came in laughing and in great form. Anthony G sailed very well in the old Scorpion.

Bill J and Dermot M raced as others stayed ashore waiting for the training day the following day. Dermot M ran into a spot of trouble near the power station getting stuck in irons and then getting pushed back onto the pier. He got free without injury or damage.

The Foyle Festival cup was cancelled due to NW Ireland being hit by Hurricane Katia. LFYC sailors weere seen taking down masts and tying down boats and making the yard safe in preperation for 100kph winds.

Racing tonight was cancelled due to it being a dull evening with a lack of wind :(….

and so ended tuesday and thursday sailing for 2011 as tonight was the last midweek race of the year with evenings now getting dark at about 8.15

A very windy evening with a very strong tide to make things doubly interesting. Racing in Culmore Bay. Bill J and Keith J made it look easy quickly establishing a massive lead. Anton H and George G were happy to get round without going for a swim. Conor G did well to navigate across the channel to the power station and back in the Solo against a very strong tide – difficult tonight even with the good breeze in.

Racing in the bay, thanks to Anton H and George G who took turns standing in as OD. James H Jnr took over as skipper of Keith L’s new GP and did it justice in the second race.