What an adventure one which I highly recommend. After a longish journey over there on the Thursday, in which Martin's electric car proved excellent as a tower, we arrived to the news that the forecast winds (upto 40 mph gusts) meant they had decided to move the course from the full Ocean start to a within the City row, albeit of roughly the same distance. Sad, as the estuary is beautiful, but as we found out very sensible.
Cork buzzed with excitement throughout the weekend and the pre-race party (with all its music and Guinness) flowed well and was perhaps not the best preparation for the next day. I won’t comment on those that climbed on tables and partied late into the evening. Disgraceful behaviour!
The race was great crack with about 170 boats ranging from a magnificent 16 oared Irish long boat right down to single kayaks. The interesting boats were the traditional Irish Currach’s, which with no rudder make interesting boats to overtake as they weaved their way down the course.
Gladys and Mabel started together with a group of about 6 and both crews performed admirably, definitely dominating the Claydon class. It was only as we turned at the bottom of the course into the wind did we appreciate the reason for the change. A truly long hard slog back up to the finish in the middle of the City.
A great post-race and prize giving event (held in Tequila Jacks!) which only commenced at 9pm ensured a memorable end to a long day.
All crews and boats have returned and are slowly recovering. An event well worth repeating.
Locked
