Well done to Luke Johnston (Rudiments) and Harry Browne (Elements) who represented Clongowes at the 41st All Ireland Inter Schools Sailing Regatta at Sutton Dinghy Club last Saturday and Sunday (17th and 18th September).
There were over 100 boats on the start line so the competition for space was tough. Luke (on the right above) and Harry started well in Race 1 but fell into a hole along with the rest of the fleet when the wind died on Saturday afternoon. Not to be put off, Luke and Harry returned on Sunday to finish what they started. Race 3 had a promising start with fresh wind but that race was abandoned when the wind died again. Two hours waiting in the rain was rewarded with enough wind for another start, which saw the Clongowes boat well up the fleet after the first round but sadly racing was called off when the wind dropped again and time was running out (also quite a few people had tickets for the Dublin Mayo match!).
This was a great event for schools to meet at the end of the summer and everyone enjoyed the two days on the water even if the racing wasn’t great. It was a test of endurance and the Clongowes boys held out to the end. Many thanks to Sutton Dinghy Club for hosting the event, to the two Gappies who drove the sailors to Sutton (and were treated to burgers for their trouble) and to Matthew Wright for organising CWC first ever entry to the inter schools championship. I am sure we will see another team next year.
Ms Katie Johnston
