Maybe future Bangor Town Regattas could present a prize for the boat with the most family members on board? For the three-generation crewed J109 Storm from Rush Sailing Club and Howth Yacht Club which won Class 2, the RC 35 division and the overall Bangor Town Regatta Trophy last week is a true family boat.
She was crewed in the event at Royal Ulster on Belfast Lough by three generations of Kellys, a couple of friends and long-time crew Kevin Sheridan, Johnny Swan and Rob O’Leary. There were six Kelly’s on board - Pat Kelly (Skipper and Dad), brothers David, Ronan and Paddy Kelly as well as David Jnr and Ciaran Kelly, David’s sons.
Storm in the last race of Bangor Town Regatta Photo Andrew Gallagher
They will be off to Cork Week soon and there in Class 2 they will be up against another Howth entry, Michael and Richard Evans J99 Snapshot, second overall in IRC in the recent Round Ireland Race and the RIR overall IRC third placed Artful Dodjer, Finbarr O’Regan’s J109 from Kinsale.
In 2018 Storm won the four event RC 35 Celtic Cup and retained it in 2019. The trophy was presented by the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club, and the original Northern Yacht Club was set up in 1824 by Irish and Scottish sailors to encourage sailing in northern waters. The series consists of the Tarbert Regatta, Kip Regatta, Bangor Town Regatta and Cork Week. But this year Storm will only count three of the events.
Ronan Kelly was delighted Storm had competed in Bangor Town Regatta; ”The facilities, race officers and race courses over the four days were excellent. Credit to the organising committee. The Crew really enjoyed the regatta with tough weather conditions and competition in this RC35 Class. A big thank you to all the lads for a great weekend and a masterclass in how to take on these conditions. We are over the moon with the win and it’s very special to all the crew to be awarded Overall Boat of Bangor Town Regatta, thank you now off to Cork!”.
On the podium at Bangor Town Regatta 2022 - Skipper Pat Kelly and the crew of Storm with the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Karen Douglas Photo Andrew Gallagher
