Full results of the Cong-Galway Race 2023 have been published after a very successful race at the weekend.

As Afloat reported earlier, a total of 26 entrants in the dinghy class and six in the cruiser class participated in the rescheduled event, which had been postponed from the original date due to weather.

The Cong-Galway is a 30-nautical mile course, from Lisloughrey pier near Cong at the north of Lough Corrib to Galway city.

It follows the old steamer route across the lake, and is billed as Europe’s oldest and longest dinghy sailing race.

Corrib Rowing and YC president David Flynn with Tiernan O'Brien (CSS) and Peter Fergus of the Lodge at Ashford Castle, which sponsors the Cong Galway Race 

Therefore, finishing the course which involves a number of navigational hazards is an achievement in itself, no matter what the result.

Gary Mangan won the dinghy class in a Catapult catamaran, with Rob Talbot and Cian de Bairéad of Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil (CSS) coming second in a 420 and Andy Flanagan and Astrid Plaas of Galway Bay SC were third in a Dart 16.

Three Galway hookers, Loveen, Anam Cara and Lon Dubh, entered the cruiser class in the 2023 Cong Galway Race

The Port of Galway Sea Scouts crew helmed by Daniel Concannon with David Schirliu, Aaron Fahy and Lorcan Carron took first in the cruiser class.

The collaborative effort involves five clubs—Galway Bay SC, Galway City Sailing Club, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club and CSS.

Photos were provided by Tiernan O’Brien of CSS and Margot Cronin of GBSC, both of whom were involved in the extensive organisation of the race.

The crews in the Cruiser Fleet were Lon Dubh, Helm: Tim Reddin. Crew: Tina Concannon, Marina Postier, Eileen Cameron, Anne Miller and Paul Collister and  Anam Cara, Helm: Marty Concannon. Crew: Aideen Kilkelly, John Gregory, Brendan O'Sullivan and Jakob.

Full results are below

Gary Mangan, the overall winner of the Cong-Galway 2023, receiving the cup for the first prize from Peter Fergus of The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Port of Galway Sea Scouts of Daniel Concannon, David Schirliu, Aaron Fahy and Loran Carron took first in the cruiser class in the 2023 Cong Galway Race

Maria Buckley, Michelle Oliver, Mary Cunningham, and Clodagh Durkan of Galway Hooker SC, who came second in the cruiser class in the 2023 Cong Galway Race

 First placed juniors in a 420, Ben Schumacher and Robert Donnelly (helm) of Galway Bay SC in the 2023 Cong Galway Race

A Catapult Catamaran sailed by Gary Mangan took first place in the dinghy class in this year’s Cong-Galway race across Lough Corrib and down the river into the city.

A 420 helmed by Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil’s (CSS) Rob Talbot and Cian de Bairéad took second place in the dinghies, and Galway Bay Sailing Club’s Andy Flanagan and Astrid Comerford came in third in their Dart 16.

A fleet of around 40 boats and three Galway hookers set sail from Lisloughrey pier yesterday morning on the first leg of the 30 nautical mile course, which follows the old steamer route across the lake and into the city and dates back to 1882.

In the cruiser class, first place was recorded by Port of Galway Sea Scouts in a Hawk 20 sailed by David Schirliu, Daniel Concannon, Aaron Fahy and Lorcan Cannon.

Three Galway Hookers were part of the 2023 Cong Galway Race fleet Photo: Collette Uí Chonghaíle

Members of the Galway Hooker Sailing Club took second place in their vessel helmed by Ciaran Oliver with Maria Buckley, Michelle Oliver, Mary Cunningham and Clodagh Durkan.

Lack of wind on Saturday had prompted the five organising clubs to reschedule the event for Sunday when moderate south-westerlies had been forecast.

Billed as Europe’s oldest and longest dinghy sailing race, the Cong-Galway involves a first leg from Lisloughrey to Kilbeg pier, where competitors can take a lunch break.

The start of the second leg of Cong-Galway Race Photo: Collette Uí Chonghaíle

The second leg introduces a narrower channel in the lower lake, leading participants towards the river, with the finish line at Corrib village on the University of Galway campus. This involves boats manoeuvring their masts under the Quincentennial Bridge before reaching the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club upriver from the city’s Woodquay for the trophy presentation.

The collaborative effort involves a large number of volunteers and safety vessels organised by five clubs—Galway Bay Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club and Cumann Seoltóireacht an Spidéil (Spiddal Sailing Club).

This year’s Cong-Galway race has been put back a day to Sunday, September 3rd, for weather reasons.

Lack of wind on Saturday, the original date, has prompted the organising clubs to reset the race for Sunday when moderate south-westerlies are forecast for the Lough Corrib area.

Up to 40 dinghies and three Galway hookers are expected to participate in what has been billed as Europe’s oldest and longest dinghy sailing race, which dates back to 1882.

The course follows the historical steamer route across the lake, extending approximately 30 nautical miles from Lisloughrey Pier near Cong to Galway City.

Mixed dinghies and catamarans competing in the 2022 Cong Galway Race Photo: Don Soules

The race starts at the lake's northern tip, against a backdrop of Ashford Castle in Cong, and is divided into two legs.

The first leg extends from Lisloughrey to Kilbeg pier, where competitors can refuel with sustenance provided.

The second leg introduces a narrower channel in the lower lake, leading participants towards the river, with the finish line at Corrib village on the University of Galway campus. This involves boats manoeuvring their masts under the Quincentennial Bridge before reaching the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club upriver from the city’s Woodquay for the trophy presentation.

Last year's event was “hindered somewhat by weather”, according to the organisers, with too much wind for the original date in June and too little wind in August.

Cong Galway Race 2023 - Up to 40 dinghies and three Galway hookers are expected to participate in what has been billed as Europe’s oldest and longest dinghy sailing race, which dates back to 1882 Photo: Don Soules 

“However, the race saw a fleet from across the western reaches of Ireland and sailors converging to take part in the race. The organising clubs anticipate a great interest from sailing enthusiasts all over the country this year,” they state.

The collaborative effort involves five clubs—Galway Bay Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club and Cumann Seoltóireacht an Spidéil (Spiddal Sailing Club) – and fosters a sense of unity among sailors and enthusiasts.

The Galway hookers began participating in the race three years ago, and say they have “enjoyed being a part of history and maintaining tradition along Lough Corrib”.

“It is a sight to savour as the sails of the hookers navigate the Corrib, pass by Menlo Castle and have to quickly drop their masts to fit under the Quincentennial Bridge as they reach Woodquay,”the organisers state.

The Cong-Galway Sailing Race, claimed to be 'Europe's oldest and longest sailing race', is set to take place on September 2nd, 2023.

Since its establishment in 1882, the race has been a true test of skill and endurance, attracting sailors from all over the world. This year, the event promises to be even more exciting, with sailors and enthusiasts expected to converge from all over the country.

The race, which stretches approximately 30 nautical miles from Lisloughrey Pier near Cong to the city of Galway, follows the historical steamer route. Against the backdrop of the iconic Ashford Castle, the race kicks off at the northern end of the lake, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle. Divided into two legs, the first leg concludes at Kilbeg, providing competitors with a chance to refuel and refresh. The second leg introduces a narrower channel in the lower lake, leading participants towards the river, where the finish line awaits at Corrib Village. The final stretch includes the captivating sight of boats manoeuvring to fit their masts under the Quincentennial Bridge before reaching the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club for the historic trophy presentation.

The Cong-Galway Sailing Race holds a special place in the hearts of Galway sailors, commemorating the area's rich maritime history. The collaborative efforts of five distinguished clubs—Galway Bay Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club and Spiddal Sailing Club—contribute to the seamless organisation of this iconic race, fostering a sense of unity among sailors and enthusiasts.

The public is invited to spectate along the 30-mile route and take part in the fun of this race. The sight of old meeting new as the iconic Galway Hookers sail alongside modern dinghies and sailboats is truly a sight to behold. The Galway Hookers joined the race lineup three years ago and have enjoyed being a part of history and maintaining tradition along Lough Corrib.

The Cong-Galway Sailing Race is a celebration of maritime heritage and a beloved tradition. Sailors and enthusiasts alike are sure to embark on an unforgettable journey along the challenging course, culminating at the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club. With the collaborative efforts of five clubs, this event promises to be a unifying effort that showcases the best of sailing in Galway.

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.

The annual Cong to Galway Sailing Race, Europe’s oldest and longest inland water sailing race, will take place this year on Saturday, 27 August 2022, having been postponed from June due to adverse weather.

The race starts at Lisloughrey Pier, Cong, Co. Mayo in the shadow of the picturesque Ashford Castle, and follows the old steamer route from Lisloughrey for about 30 nautical miles, through Upper and Lower Lough Corrib, to the finish line on the River Corrib.

The race is split into two legs; the first leg finishes at Kilbeg, where competitors pause for lunch and refreshments.

The second leg is via a narrower channel in the lower lake and then on to the river with the finish line at Corrib Village. To finish up, there is the crowd-pleasing sight of the boats capsizing to get under the Quincentennial Bridge before arriving at the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club.

The Cong Galway race route

A bus is available to bring participants from Galway to Cong on the morning of the event to enable sailors to leave trailers and cars in Galway for recovery and transport after the event.

A prize-giving ceremony and reception will be held shortly after in CRYC. Lunch, bus transfers and a post-race meal at CRYC are all included in the entry fee.

Entries must be registered before midday on Wednesday, 24 August 2022. Online registration can be found here 

Entries are strictly limited to 40 boats on a first-come, first-served basis. If the limit on participants is reached, a waiting list will be maintained. Please contact [email protected] if you wish to be added to the waiting list.

The Cong Galway Sailing Race Organising Committee emergency meeting held today has cancelled Saturday's annual race due to forecasted strong winds.

"It is regrettable but in the interest and safety of the competitors, rib drivers, volunteers and all involved, the committee has no alternative but to cancel", a spokeswoman told Afloat.

Southerly winds are forecast to reach 40mph during the race times on Saturday.

The race has been rescheduled for Saturday 25th August.

It is 140 years since the inaugural sailing of the race and 50 years since it was revived in its current form. It is the oldest and longest inland sailing race in Europe. It brings together old and new in a unique celebration of history and sailing, which has endeared it to generations of sailors in the West of Ireland and beyond.

This year's Cong-Galway sailing race, set for Saturday, June 25, will mark two significant anniversaries.

It is 140 years since the inaugural sailing of the race and 50 years since it was revived in its current form. It is the oldest and longest inland sailing race in Europe. It brings together old and new in a unique celebration of history and sailing, which has endeared it to generations of sailors in the West of Ireland and beyond.

"It has been compared to a waterborne Isle of Man TT," according to the organisers, Galway Bay Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club, Club Seoltóireacht Húicéirí na Gaillimhe and Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil, "allowing local sailors to compete alongside veterans of top-class international competitions such as the Figaro and the Mini Transat, along a course which has an unsettling ability to throw up new challenges every year."

The fleet is divided into two main groups for the race. The more significant is the dinghy fleet for boats of about 18 feet and under who race using the Portsmouth Yardstick handicapping system. In recent years, there has been a significant revival in the cruiser fleet for larger boats, amongst which the iconic sails of Gleoiteogs from Club Seoltóireacht Húicéirí na Gaillimhe added to the spectacle.

Gleoiteogs from Club Seoltóireacht Húicéirí na Gaillimhe add to the spectacle of the Cong Galway Race

The racing schedule starts after refreshments from the Lodge at Ashford, with boats launched under the watchful eye of beachmaster Tiernan O'Brien of Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil. The sheltered harbour at Lisloughrey gives way to the exposed upper reaches of the lake, where Race Officer Aoife Lyons of Galway Bay Sailing Club will position the official start line and send the sailors on their way. The first leg continues to the pier at Kilbeg, from where ferries once plied their trade transporting goods and passengers across the narrow neck midway down Lough Corrib. The two piers at Kilbeg on the eastern shore near Headford and Knockferry on the western side near Moycullen provide excellent vantage points to see the boats finishing the first leg and jostling for position for the start of the second.

After lunches provided at Kilbeg by Galway City Sailing Club, the helms and crew will need their wits about them for the straits into the lower lake. With barely a boat's length between rocky outcrops, overtaking opportunities are at a premium in the narrow channel south of Kilbeg. The respite of the open waters of the lower lake is often short-lived as the shelter of the river below Bushypark and Glenlo presents a different challenge. Boats are forced to eke out every advantage possible from each zephyr of breeze in what can be a frustrating final stretch to the finish line below Corrib Village.

The fleet is divided into two main groups for the race. The more significant is the dinghy fleet for boats of about 18 feet and under who race using the Portsmouth Yardstick handicapping system

The Quincentennial Bridge provides one last obstacle to finishing at Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club.

Safety Officer Mark Francis of Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club and a large team led by Niall O'Flaherty will ensure the safe running of the race.

There is local interest this year, say the organisers, particularly in whether Yannick Lemonnier can make a winning return to wrest back his crown from locals Rob Talbot and Rian De Bairéad.

Last year, his quest for a four-in-a-row was thwarted when the mast on his Mini 6.50 "Port of Galway" broke in stormy seas when crossing from France for last year's race. However, he won't have an armchair ride this year with some stiff competition amongst the capacity fleet of 40 boats.

The race keeps the traditions of sailing on the lake alive for future generations.

What a difference a year makes! This year's running of the Cong-Galway sailing race was a very different affair to last year in many ways - timing, weather, wind and a new holder for the coveted title.

Bright sunshine and a gentle north-easterly breeze greeted the competitors as they prepared to launch from Lisloughrey pier at the northern tip of Lough Corrib. With three-in-a-row champion Yannick Lemonnier unable to race following an unfortunate dismasting while returning from racing in Brittany, a new champion was guaranteed, and speculation was rife as to who would be the likely contenders. Unlike last year, when boats were buffeted by wind and rain approaching the start line, this year's entrants had a chance to relax and admire the beautiful scenery of the upper lake and the imposing edifice of Ashford Castle as they prepared to start. There was a bumper field with 37 boats crossing the start line under the watchful eye of race officers David Vinnell and Aoife Lyons. The main fleet consisted of 31 catamarans and racing dinghies sailing under the Portsmouth Yardstick handicap system, while for the first time in a number of years, there was a fleet of six cruisers amongst which were two traditional gleoiteogs from the Galway Hooker Sailing Club. In order to ensure a windward start, the boats headed back towards Cong from the start line, before rounding the windward mark and accelerating southwards towards Kilbeg.

The Cong-Galway Lough Corrib yacht race course

With the wind behind them for most of the race, crews tried to keep all available canvas aloft. This suited the more traditional designs including the Fireballs and 420s, which made impressive headway under symmetrical spinnakers. In striking contrast to last year when catamarans ruled, the leading positions at the end of the first leg were dominated by monohulls. Despite the pleasant conditions, the crews managed to work up a healthy appetite by the time they pulled into Kilbeg pier, outside Headford, where GCSC provided a tasty lunch. After recovering their energy, the boats had a fast downwind start into the narrows for the second leg. However, with the wind at their backs for much of the way, the narrows didn't seem quite as narrow as previous years when boats were beating into a strong breeze.

Congratulations to the winners of this years Cong-Galway Sailing Race 2021 Rob Talbot - Cumann Seoltóireacht an Spidéil, and Rain De Bairead - Galway City Sailing

The trip through the lower lake was quick and while Tim Breen's Formula 18 catamaran was out in front, it was the Fireballs, Lasers and 420s who were leading the way on adjusted time as they entered the sheltered confines of the lower lake. Here frustration descended as crews meandered from side to side in search of every puff of air that could be found for the final push to the finish line at Corrib Village, egged on by vociferous onlookers from the banks. Once across the line, there was the final crowd-pleasing capsize for the dinghies to get under the Quincentennial Bridge as the larger boats dropped their masts and switched to engines and oars.

Back on dry land, the calculations started while the competitors took advantage of outdoor dining at the CRYC, compliments of McHugh Properties. When the computations were completed, the overall winners in the main dinghy fleet were Rob Talbot of GCSC and Rian De Bairéid of CSS in a 420, who earned themselves a luxurious stay in the Lodge at Ashford Castle.

As Afloat reported earlier, second place went to Frank Miller and Imail Inan in a Fireball, while Damian Lord brought his Laser home in third. Winner in the cruiser fleet was Ed Butler in his Drascombe Lugger "Egret" while Tina Concannon and her crew had the first Hookers across the line in "An Lon Dubh".

The event involves a huge volunteer effort and the organisers - Galway Bay Sailing Club, Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club, Galway City Sailing Club, Galway Hooker Sailing Club and Cumann Seoltóireacht an Spidéil - would like to thank everyone who contributed both ashore and on the water. The race officers and race committee, crews of support boats from all of the organizing clubs, the safety officer and safety team, beach master crew, everyone who was involved in or, publicity team, transport social media and catering ensured the long tradition of the event, dating back to 1882, continues for another generation of sailors to enjoy. With the generous sponsorship from McHugh Properties and the Lodge at Ashford Castle, and despite the vagaries of wind and weather which makes each year a new and unpredictable challenge, the event continues to grow in popularity while retaining its idiosyncratic charm.

A big thank you to the five clubs involved Corrib Rowing & Yachting Club, Galway Bay Sailing Club, Club Seoltóireacht Húicéirí na Gaillimhe, Galway City Sailing Club and Cumann Seoltóireacht an Spidéil, RO Team, Beachmaster, Safety Boats, Results Team, lunch provider, Buffet providers, Competitors, without which this would not have been such a successful event. The Media for covering the event and our two sponsors The Lodge at Ashford Castle and McHugh Properties.

Race results here

On May 13th (not a Friday) Dun Laoghaire based Fireball sailor Frank Miller got the following WhatsApp message from Turkey - " Cong - Galway Race on Saturday 26 June. Can we do that? Pleaaasee :))". The message was from global-hopping friend and sometime crew Ismail "Iso" Inan.

The response was immediate, the famous race was also on Miller's bucket list but the logistical challenges and stories of Jurassic rocks on the route were off-putting. So, the first decision in taking on the 30 nautical mile race was to agree that shared costs would include costs of any repairs to whatever craft was used. After a little head-scratching and consideration of asking to borrow the DMYC club Wayfarer the decision was made to use Miller's Fireball. While 20 years old the boat had been continuously maintained was fully race fit while not gleamingly new. The Winder built Fireballs happily remain stiff, light and competitive well into their 20s. The modern construction is foam reinforced glass and Kevlar, stiff but also liable to damage from any contact with, for instance, the ragged rocks which litter the narrows of Lough Corrib. Conversations with friends reinforced feelings of nervousness about that section. Fellow Fireballer Alan Henry who has sailed the race three times, speaks of one year trying to beat up through the narrows between the rocks in strong headwinds, with the channel less than 30 feet wide in sections. 

While the Fireball has a very shallow draft it has a deep centreboard and rudder. Happily, the rudder is held down by a hinging Cam cleat designed to flip open if it hits an obstacle, to save the pintles and/or transom from being torn off. So, the die was cast, come hell or high water the pair were sailing the race in the Fireball, and delighted that Alan Henry was doing it also this year in his Fireball. A nudge to Miller’s regular Fireball sailing partner Ed Butler and son Ed Jnr saw the pair enter a Drascombe lugger, to be sailed with wife Mary and partner Julia respectively.

Some of the greatest challenges of this, the longest inland waters sailing race in Europe, are around the logistics before the race even starts. How to ensure your launching trolley is at the destination, assuming you ever get there. How to set the boat up safely at the start point and launch without a trolley. Wondering if your crew would even get to Ireland on time. The latter adventure included 2 weeks of hotel quarantine and, thankfully, a vaccine. Next getting your head around the trolley/trailer logistics.

The Cong-Galway Lough Corrib yacht race course

After several conversations with friends who had experienced the race Miller opted to drop the Fireball at the starting point, Lisloughrey Pier at Cong Co Mayo, the day before. Setting off early to get to the destination and rig and park was a good idea as the first drama of the event took place on the Athlone Bypass when one of the trailer tyres blew out. Happy Ed Butler wasn't far behind and with Ed's help and his mother of all jacks the pair got the spare onto the trailer and Miller went into Athlone to replace both tyres. Luckily the local tyre people had the right size in stock and an hour later the Fireball was en route again to Lisloughrey. The lesson learned in Athlone is that even if a tyre has excellent thread it needs to be replaced every seven years or so as the rubber perishes and hidden cracks in the wall can lead to disaster. At the pier, Miller managed to rig the boat and with plenty of padding and fenders and some rope secure it safely near the slipway while Alan Henry opted to park his afloat amongst the reeds and tied to a tree. Thence to Galway to drop the combi-trailer and collect Iso who had been detained by work and a delayed van service.

The boat was launched safely the following morning thanks to several helping hands. The scene at Lisloughrey pier was somewhat chaotic but extremely friendly. The assortment of craft was quite astonishing – traditional Gleoiteogs, Dart Catamarans, an F18 Cat, small bilge keel cruisers, Wayfarers, several 420s, Lasers and many more including a home-built craft which looked like a square canoe. While this was a race it was of the friendliest variety and the common goal was to reach the destination in one piece with body and boat intact.

The Sailing Instructions spoke of a start line and a windward mark to be rounded to port but with the North North East wind direction, this didn't appear to make a lot of sense as the destination was directly South. So it was that Miller/Inan decided to start on port at the pin, as did half the fleet. The pair managed to lead to the windward mark which in effect was a roundabout mark, and head more or less due South. This is where the fun started as the exact course in the wide expanse of Lough Corrib was hard to spot. While the Cats and particularly the F18 soon overtook the monohulls they were carving a zig-zag course downwind so it was hard to work out a precise course.

Refreshments are served at the Kilbeg stop of the Cong Galway Race

The chasing monohulls were the best guide and in particular the Fireball of Alan Henry and crew Sinead Mongan who were soon snapping at their heels. Somehow Miller/Inan managed to preserve their lead while arguing their way to and between the channel marks. Several times Henry/Mongan came within feet of overtaking especially during a near capsize from a sudden extreme gust which appeared from nowhere. Wind conditions varied especially between the islands but generally the course of part one was a run, sometimes a reach and with a small bit of beating thrown in. Typically, on the reaches and fetches the dinghies enjoyed full trapezing conditions but there were also zones of quite light winds. With Henry/Mongan close behind Miller/Inan, after a final argument about channel marks (which Iso correctly won), arrived at the halfway stage finish at Kilbeg Pier to win that leg as first monohull and also on PY handicap.

Quayside at the halfway point of the Cong Galway Race and the boats are rafted

Rafting up the sensitive Fireball between the F18 and a Laser involved padding from buoyancy aids and a couple of fenders supplied by Miller's wife and the pair's one-person support team Ena Prosser. Ashore there was a terrific welcome with refreshments and a long break to allow the slower PY and cruisers to catch up. A conversation there with sailor and entrepreneur Enda O’Coineen gave some of the background to the event. Originally an elite race for the wealthy from 1882 it went from Galway to Cong and back, over 60 nautical miles. That hugely popular sporting and social event petered out over the war years but was revived in 1972 by O’Coineen and other young sailors as a more egalitarian affair. This year’s race was limited to 40 boats due to Covid restrictions.

Cong Galway sailors take a well earned halfway break at the Quayside

After a break of about two hours ashore the teams were sent out again for the second start. If the first leg looked daunting in terms of direction the next looked scary in terms of rocks, islands and very narrow channels. The start was a fetch and with the gusts coming in from the pin end two Fireballs fought for pole position there, a battle which Henry won leaving Miller struggling to catch up with the 420s and other PY contenders before the first channel markers as the once-promising wind faded on the left side. Now started the really scary portion of the race, through narrows with fearsome rocks and minute islands scattered throughout. Alan Henry’s Fireball led the way by a good 30 boat lengths from Miller until a small innocent looking island stopped Henry, and surrounding Darts, in their tracks. The wind headed then stopped, then reversed, then reversed again back. While Miller caught up to within a few feet he too was stranded as Henry/Mongan sped away and soon had regained that 30 boat length lead. This gap looked quite secure for most of the rest of the race as the fleet wriggled between the buoyed channel. Miller’s rudder hit something mid-channel but popped up unscathed. Then on a wider section of the lower lake, the wind filled slightly from astern with the fleet on a broad reach. Miraculously Miller, sailing somewhat lower, caught a stiff patch of breeze and held onto it to pass Henry to leeward though the pair were neck and neck as they entered the river channel for the final section of the race. This sector was not for the impatient as the wind went from light to non-existent and the boats moved only by the flow of the river. Miller however edged towards the leeward bank and managed to pick up a tiny bit more breeze to slip away from Henry.

The final task was not to get caught in the lee of the large Dart sails also ghosting through this section. Finally, the finish line came into sight and the finishers were greeted by a good crowd on the banks applauding them as they approached. It was an emotional sight seeing that kind of support from the local community see the fleet through the finish, though word afterwards was that people mainly gathered to see the boats capsize to get under the Quincentennial Bridge! Once under that final obstacle sailors ashore at the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club were treated to a socially distanced buffet, kindly sponsored by McHugh Properties.

Awaiting the prizewinners of the 2021 Cong Galway Race

There followed a long period while the boffins calculated the PY results. In the dinghies/cats category Rob Talbot and Rian De Bairead, sailing a 420, emerged triumphant with Miller/Inan second in their Fireball while Damien Lord in a Laser took third place. And in a final boost for Fireball morale, Ed Butlers Senior and Junior and team won the cruiser section on handicap. All in all, this was and is a remarkable event, while not for the faint-hearted it is deserving of ongoing support from the dinghy community.

The Overall Cong Galway PY winners were 420 team Rob Talbot and Rian De Bairéad

The Butler Fireball team of Ed and Ed Senior

For the Fireballers taking part it was a challenging lake outing and a prequel to the Fireball Worlds which come to the wider, rock-free expanse of Lough Derg in August next year.

The intrepid Fireball team of Frank Miller and Ismail "Iso" Inan and team Butler with their Cong-Galway Race mugs

Results are here