Belfast Lough Ruffian 23 Carrageen (Trevor Kirkpatrick) from Carrickfergus has successfully defended her national title on Dublin Bay today.
A turnout of 16 Ruffians, including six visiting boats, enjoyed boisterous conditions over three days. The Race Management team, led by Suzanne McGarry, under the burgee of the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club, conducted 7 races with great efficiency under trying conditions.
Kirkpatrick got his defence off to the perfect start on Friday with two bullets, opening up a five-point lead over locals Shannagh (5,2) (Stephen Gill), Alias (4,3) (David Meeke) and Bandit (3,4) (Brian Cullen).
Ripples (Frank Bradley) scored best on Saturday (3,4,1), but her Friday results (8,6) left too big a gap to overcome on Sunday. Bandit (Ret,1,5) and Alias (1,5,6) shared joint 2nd overnight Saturday but Bandit will rue a rounding error while leading the first race, that may have impacted on the overall finishing positions.
Carrageen sealed the win with a bullet in the first race on Sunday, rendering the final race moot, leaving Bandit (2,1) to secure 2nd place, while Alias (5,4) rounded off the podium in 3rd place.
Red Fox (Roger Smith) of Poolbeg Yacht Club was the best visitor in 5th place.