Opening Day for Juniors

Claire and Michael win Gores Island Trophy

THERE was a record turn-out of 45 boats for the Gores Island Race on Sunday, which was also the first leg of this year’s Strangford Lough Youth Series.

The performance of the day belonged to the father-and-daughter pairing of Michael and Claire Morrissey, who won the coveted Gores Island Trophy. It was richly deserved given that Michael was working frantically getting his Mirror ready for the water just hours earlier.

There was a good showing by Quoile’s juniors. Philip and Colin Crichton finished second in the Mirror class, Ella Anderson and Olivia Mooney excelled themselves in the Toppers and Paul and Matthew Stacey managed to get finished in their Pico.

Nathan McKee earned one of the biggest cheers of the day for his efforts. Well done also to Christopher Cannon, Fergal Mooney and the Egan children — Jake, Caitlin, Celine and Mollie.

Scott Rogers and Vicky Bridges held off Paul Magowan and Colin Stewart in the battle of the Squibs, while Miles and Cathy Milhench showed their support by taking their Hawk round the course.

Strangford Sailing Club won the bulk of the prizes and are handily placed for the round of the series which takes place at Audley’s Roads on Thursday, July 19, which is also the date for the Bar Buoy Race. Many thanks to the Strangford team, as well as East Down, Strangford Lough YC and Killyleagh for coming along in such large numbers.

Thanks also to John and Joanne Magowan for all their hard work once again and to everyone else who helped with rigging and launching, working in the kitchen and providing rescue cover.