The 139th edition of the Cong-Galway Race — Europe’s longest inland race, over a distance of 30 nautical miles — finally took place on Saturday 27 August after its June postponement, writes Olga Scully.

The event is organised by the five Galway sailing clubs: Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club, Galway Bay Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club, Club Seoltóireacht Húicéirí na Gaillimhe and Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil.

Racing fuel in the form of coffee and croissants were provided on the pier at Lisloughrey by sponsors the Lodge at Ashford and then the boats were on their way to the start line, in a carefully coordinated drill by the Beachmaster team.

Unfortunately, the light airs were entirely unsuitable for the traditional Galway Hooker fleet and so they bowed out, along with some of the Darts, but a respectable fleet of 25 boats started the race at Lisloughrey.

Making the most of the less than ideal conditions of light southerly winds, RO Aoife Lyons sent the fleet to off to leave the windward mark to port and head southwards towards the gap between Inchagoill and Inishannagh.

The fleet spread out very early on with F18s and National 18s well out in front of the next mixed bunch of Wayfarers, RS200s, Stratos and 420s with the remainder of the fleet bringing up the rear some way back.

Boats in action during the 139th Cong-Galway Race

After about 90 minutes of slow progress, the Race Committee decided to shorten the course and finish the race off Inchaquinn, almost halfway along the first leg to Kilbeg. This allowed most of the fleet, at this stage very well dispersed over the length of the course, a chance to finish within the time limit.

Seventeen out of the 25 starters managed to finish within 70 minutes of the leading boat, so it proved a clever move.

First over the line was a National 18, sailed by Alex Barry, Sandy Rimmington and Ken Murphy from Monkstown Bay Sailing Club and Royal Cork Yacht Club, with Tim and Cormac Breen from Galway Bay Sailing Club following not too far behind.

Third over the line was RS200 sailed by Alex and Martin Roe from Galway City Sailing Club, while in the cruiser fleet, Conor and Cian Baynes in a Manta 19 were first over followed by Conor Little and Orla Bergin, also in a Manta 19.

The boats were then towed to Kilbeg where lunch was enjoyed on the pier, while the logistics of transporting boats back to CRYC was discussed. Thankfully, the afternoon sun’s appearance lessened the shortened course’s disappointment.

Corrected time results left the National 18 in the first place, with last year’s winners Rob Talbot and Rian de Bareid of Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil in a 420 taking second place. There was a dead heat for third between Isabella and Pat Irwin (GBSC) in a Stratos and Gareth, Jenny and Owen Roe (GCSC) in a Wayfarer. Click HERE for the full race results.

Back at CRYC, the prize-giving was held in the glorious evening sunshine and included the first prize of dinner, bed and breakfast at the Lodge at Ashford. Food and drinks were sponsored by McHugh Property Holdings and the club extends its thanks to both sponsors.