Honda RIB Heats at QYC 2007

Last Friday evening, Quoile junior members were joined by junior members from Strangford Sailing Club and Donaghadee Sailing Club to battle it out to represent their Clubs in the Northern Ireland finals on the river Lagan on Saturday 23 June.

In the Quoile junior 8-12 class Sam Rickard was the best Quoile boat with a time of 2min-13.44sec. Second was Jack Crichton. Both drove like true champions and both now go forward to the NI Finals. I know that they have already started to practise.

In the older 13-16 age group, despite the nerves and pre event banter, times were fast and the driving standard excellent. First to go was Emma Sandford, first year in the big class after her NI win in the 8-12 last year. A creditable performance gave her a time of 1min 47.9 sec. Running next, Paul Magowan set a very fast time for all to beat. Two consistent runs gave him a best time of 1min 5.7 secs, good enough in the end to take overall second place. Gordon Baker drove well but had a couple of slip ups (nerves?). A best time of 1min 27.8 was nevertheless a good performance. Colin Stewart, obviously a dark horse and much improved helmsman, seemed to be flying around the course with a lot of style. Colin ended up third overall with a best time of 1min 8.2 secs just 3 secs behind Paul, very close! Drew Magowan in his last year, gave his usual polished stylish performance. Two consistently fast runs gave him a time of 1min 2.6 secs, enough to take best time of the night. Leigh Crawford was last to go in the almost dark conditions. A spot of bother with the Man Overboard and the Workboat parked too close to her desired line meant that she was unable to better her time. Drew and Paul Magowan therefore go forward to the NI finals and we wish them good luck.

For SSC, in the younger class Fergus Sandford (2-7.1) and Ricky Gill (2-12.4) go forward to the finals. In the Older class Hebe Sandford (1-58.5) and Lisa Gill (2-3.3) go forward. Beth Gill (2-12.7) was unlucky but drove well.

For DSC Jake Eastwood (2-0.9) and Joshua Eastwood(2-32.56) go to the NI finals.

Thanks to Brain Baker the timekeeper, and to Hammy Baker and Drew Rickard who sat in the boats. Hope there is some support on the Lagan on Saturday 23 June