Break the Boom race. A unique sailing event!
Its August again, the boom needs to be broken, the siege lifted and the citizens saved.
LFYC are proud to be co-hosts the Mountjoy Challenge with the Maiden City Festival
The Mountjoy is the name of the ship whose long boats broke the boom in 1689. This race is named after her. Captain Browning of the Mountjoy was shot while hacking at the boom and died later of his injuries.
This year will be the third year we have held such an event. (2013, 2015 and this year)
A boom will be laid at the Marina near the Council offices. A race will be held from a start position near the Foyle Bridge. Being first is not enough, the boom must broken, skippers and crews should arm themselves with knifes and such. Jacobite and Williamite boats are welcome.
The race is on Saturday 06/08/16 at 11.00 at the start line (from a committee boat) in Rosses bay (just the city side of the Foyle Bridge). We will be leaving Culmore at 10.00 to allow time to get up. The race is a dinghy race, all classes are welcome. This is not a PY race, it is a straight forward dash (although Navigation marks must be observed).
After the race we will tie up at the Marina and go ashore for the presentations and tea and coffees. This is a unique Lough Foyle event, it is historic, celebrates a special history and great fun.
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We left Culmore in good time and sailed into town in a nice breeze coming directly down the river (so there were plenty of tack required)
Liam H moored in Rosses bay and formed a line to a navigation mark. The race started in well with Anton H getting out in front in the Laser. Ken and Ryan L broke the boom overhauling Anton H within a couple of boat lengths of the finish. A musket man fired over the boats as they came in.
We all came ashore at the Derry City marina and the Apprentice Boys Governor Jim Brownlee did the prize giving on the Marina. We then went for tea and coffees in a near by coffee shop.
The sail home was easy as we had tide and wind behind us.
Many thanks to the Apprentice Boys and to the Maiden City Festival. Thanks also to Danny G for laying the boom and Peter F and Liam H for bringing up the support boats. Thanks also to John O’K and Joan D for co-ordination and support.
Ken and Ryan L break the boom in 2016.
Gov. Jim Brownlee speaking at the end of the race
