A strong fleet of 21 boats took part in the East Coast of Ireland Squib Championships which were hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club, Dun Laogahire, over the weekend of 29th. and 30th of August 2009.
Micheal O'Connor of the host Club put in a big effort to ensure that the event was a success. Only one boat 'Kerfuffle' No.37 ( Jonathan Craig and Hazel Ruane) sailed to the event from outside Dun Laoghaire- they sailed all the way from Howth a distance of about 8 miles. A strong contingent came down from the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club including the unbeatables- Peter Wallace, and Fred Campbell.
Unfortunately we will have to wait until next year for entries from the east coast clubs which have recently adopted Squibs, such as Wexford Sailing and Tennis Club, and Arklow Sailing Club.
On Saturday three Windward-Leeward races were held in the shallow waters of Seapoint Bay to the west of Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The wind was from the southwest and started as force 4 but dropped as the day progresed.
Two races were won by Frank Whelan in 'Lola' No.46 who was riding high after his success in winning the South Coast Championships in Kinsale two weeks previously, and one was won by 'Femme Fatale' No.24 sailed by Vincent Delany on the upwind legs and by owner Joe O'Byrne on the downwind legs.
An enjoyable dinner for the competitors was held after racing in the formal setting of the Royal Irish Yacht Club.
On Sunday the wind was somewhat lighter and racing was held in the same area although the wind was from the south east. 'Kerfuffle' lead away from the starting line into the stronger tide offshore only to be passed by 'Femme Fatale' on the third lap, who in turn panicked on the final 300m. beat to the finish and was passed by both 'Quickstep' No.820 Lindsay Nolan, and 'Toy for the Boys' No.818 sailed by Peter Wallace and his new crew Kerry.
The result of the event hinged on the final race. The wind was force 2 and dropping, with a short steep wave which did everything it could to throw the wind out of your brown sails. 'Toy for the Boys' was quick off the line and built up a small lead from 'Femme Fatale' and 'Lola'. On the second long beat 'Lola' took second place from 'Femme Fatale'. The wind was dropping. On passing throung the final leeward gate 'Toys' held a small lead from 'Lola' as they both took the port gate mark. 'Femme Fatale' took the starboard gate and headed out into slightly stronger wind and stronger tide offshore. Despite the wind almost completely disappering, she maintained momentum and took the final gun to win the event.
As the prize giving took place, 'Keffuffle' disappeared over the horizon on her way back to her home port of Howth.
1st. 'Femme Fatale'.
2nd. 'Lola'.
3rd. 'Toy for the Boys'
The elegant travellers Trophy went to 'Toys' who finished second in the Northern Championship, second in the Irish Nationals, and third in this event.