It was blowing dogs off chains for the conclusion of the Icebreaker Series.

On the results sheet, race nine, and the final race of Part Two of the Sunday Taggart’s Icebreaker Series, was shaping up to be a competitive day out. Results were make or break for podium positions across several classes. Regrettably it wasn’t to be. The race was cancelled.

The race officer, in conjunction with the rescue team lead and class leads, made the decision based on the near- gale conditions: a 25-30 knot North- Westerly with gusts in excess of 35 knots.

With no racing, results scorer extraordinaire Dougie Rennie didn’t need to forgo an hour of lemonade-supping to update the standings. Nay, he had them ready immediately, having predicted no sailing would take place.

This Taggart’s Icebreaker has been an excellent series, in terms of the number of races completed. All twelve were sailed in Part One, allowing for three discards. Seven out of the nine scheduled races were completed in Part Two, allowing for one discard.

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Prize-giving followed later that evening, after opening remarks from Commodore Colin Robinson. Colin extended his thanks to the members, sponsors and staff:

Series Sponsors: Taggart’s- Sinéad and Ciaran Byrne; Mug of the Day- Mackey’s Opticians

Rescue team led by Simon Bailie for providing team members and maintaining the ribs, keeping sailors safe and visible each week

Race officers and their teams, primarily Helen West-Hurst, Cat Gallagher and Aidan Pounder

Battery Hens led by Julie Wilson

Scoring team of Dougie Rennie and Stephen Polly- calm, efficient, and with a sprinkling of humour

Shore team, led by Gareth Kelly, keeping slipways clean, hoses available and maintenance ticking along, alongside office communications and support.

Club Captain, Kelly Keenan, for keeping the bar stocked, teams rostered and the many events well catered and well attended

Sailing committee led by James Moore, for enabling the Icebreaker series to continue

All the members who continue to support the club through sailing, swimming, socialising or simply buying a round.

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Prizes were awarded for Part One, Part Two and Overall series. James Moore, Rear Commodore- Sailing, and Sinéad Byrne, representing Taggart’s, presented the gifts and prizes to volunteers and prize winners.

RS AERO Des Magee (RS Aero 6) claimed first place in Part One, Part Two and overall. Sandra Halliwell (RS Aero 5) finished second across all three, with Rob Milligan (RS Aero 7) third throughout.

Fast Handicap  Paddy Oliver and Diane Nelson (Melges 15) topped the podium in both Parts and the overall series. In Part One, Natalie and Peter Cameron (RS 200) finished second, with David Fletcher and Ryan Smith (RS 400) third. In Part Two, Bob Espey and Mikey Ferguson (RS 400) took second, with Fletcher and Smith again in third.

ILCA 6 BYC Honorary Treasurer Jonny McAllister won Part One, with Jess Winton second and Dan McAvoy third. Part Two went to Jonny Cully, Jess again in second and Emma Pierce third. Jess Winton took the overall series win.

ILCA 7 Colin Leonard stood on the top step in both Parts and the overall, taking home the Icebreaker plaque. Conor Simms finished second across all three, with Jonny Henry third throughout.

Multihull Richard Swanston and Toby Collins won Part One, finished second in Part Two and claimed the overall series. Pete and Dee McDowell placed second in Part One. Matt McNichol won Part Two, with Adrian Allen and Barry Swanston taking third.

Slow Handicap Sally Nixon and Jessica Dadley-Young (RS Feva XL) won Part One and placed third in Part Two. Stephen and Aurelia Polly (RS Feva XL) finished second in Part One, won Part Two and claimed the overall series. Lucas Anderson (RS Feva XL) placed third in Part One, with Mathew Holden (ILCA 4.7) second in Part Two.

Topper 5.3 Aaron Moore took first place for both Parts and the overall series.

Topper 4.2 Rhemy Polly topped Part One, finished third in Part Two and claimed the overall series. Evie Bailie placed second in Part One and won Part Two.

Whiskey Cup Ed Winton won all three prizes, with Alex Ward second throughout.

An interesting point in terms of the number of wins across the series- Aaron Moore 11; Colin Leonard 9; Des Magee 10; Jess Winton 7; Paddy and Diane 10.5