The Irish Quarter Ton fleet will be getting a new addition this Autumn with the arrival of the very distinctive and well known Quarter Tonner, Runaway Bus writes Bob Bateman
Kinsale Yacht Club's Alan Mulcahy has bought the 1977–vintage craft made famous in part for her spinnaker that is emblazoned with a printed London Bus, all of which is complemented by her gleaming red hull & white decks.
The news will be welcomed by Kinsale's Quarter–Ton interests that saw the Ed-Dubois designed Diamond arrive into the port last March.
According to a broker description, The 40–year–old Runaway Bus was built for Mike Richardson, the owner of Seahorse Sails. Built to the same lines as the winner of the 1976 Quarter Ton Cup at Corpus Christi, she was designed by Paul Whiting & in 2006 she was fully re-built by David Heritage in Cowes with new structure & deck, new rig, keel, rudder & systems which left her looking as new. She is still in excellent condition & remains very competitive having won the Jersery Regatta in 2015, come 2nd in the IRC Small Boat Regatta in 2014, 3rd in the Poole Regatta in both 2016 & 2014 as well as 2nd in class & 4th overall in 2014 Round the Island Race. She comes very well equipped with Tak-Tik Wireless instruments & a comprehensive sail wardrobe.
It is understood Runaway Bus will arrive into Kinsale next week but thought unlikely the 23–footer will be ready in time to enter the currently underway CH Marine Autumn League at nearby Crosshaven. Race reports here.
