Sailors Battle the Elements and Defy the Swell at Ballyholme’s 107th Annual Regatta
Ballyholme Yacht Club (BYC) celebrated its 107th Annual Regatta on Saturday, 18th July, delivering a day of competitive racing and community spirit on the waters of Ballyholme Bay. Proudly sponsored by Victoria Pinkerton Estate Agents, the event attracted sailors from other clubs across Belfast Lough, eager to tackle a challenging 18-knot northerly breeze and the rolling, unsettled sea state.
Race Officer Aidan Pounder monitored the conditions throughout the morning, keeping a close eye on the conditions to ensure racing could go ahead. With the green light given at midday, the Committee Boat took up its position in the middle of the bay, providing spectators on the club terrace and the shore with an optimal vantage point of the racing action. Deputy Race Officer Catherine Gallagher and the BYC Mark Team worked quickly to set a weather mark at 1 nautical mile out into Belfast Lough and a leeward gate well within the bay.
Race Officer Aidan Pounder remarked, “The 18-knot northerly breeze and unsettled swell made for a demanding day on the water, but the safety and quality of the racing were ensured by the tremendous efforts of the entire Committee Boat team. I want to specifically commend Deputy Race Officer Catherine Gallagher and the marks team, whose expertise and dedication in such testing conditions allowed us to maintain a safe and fair course for all the fleets.”
The main regatta racing commenced at 13:30. In the large keelboat class, a thrilling duel unfolded between Johnny Richie’s Sigmantra and Adrian Allen’s Succession. While Sigmantra initially established an early lead, a twisted headsail at the leeward gate opened the door for Succession to seize the initiative and command the race to the finish. In the Class 2 fleet, Paul & Emma Prentice’s Squawk stamped their authority on the race from the opening gun, holding off persistent pressure from runners-up Nicky Quinn’s Bonanza and Sheela Lewis’s Icicle.
The competitive Whitesail classes also saw tight racing throughout the bay. John & Gerry Bell and Bryan Lawther steered Merry Jack to a hard-fought victory in the first Whitesail class against a formidable fleet including Just 1 More, Plover, and Sunflower. The second and third Whitesail classes were claimed by Mark & Andrea Mackey’s Mithril and Robin Flannigan’s Sophia, respectively.
The ILCA fleet, undeterred by the conditions, had a fantastic turnout with 22 sailors taking to the unsettled waters. Aaron Moore converted a dominant start to finish lead to take the ILCA 4 honours, Jonny McAllister topped the ILCA 6 fleet, and Bobby Driscoll recovered well from a troublesome start to take first place in the ILCA 7 fleet. Finally, the large Dinghy class showcased high-speed action, with Ryan Smith and Dave Fletcher powering their Laser 2000 to an impressive class win.
Following the finalisation of the regatta results at 16:45, the day wrapped up with a sun bathed prize-giving ceremony on the club patio. Class winners received their awards from sponsor Victoria Pinkerton, Commodore Colin Robinson, and Lady-Commodore Tara Robinson. This successful conclusion was underpinned by the exceptional efforts of the shore-based volunteer teams, including the battery and results team. Boosted by refreshments provided by Club Captain Kelly Keenan, their efficient processing ensured that verified results were ready the moment the final boat crossed the finish line.
Commenting on the success of the day, Club Commodore Colin Robinson said: “It was a fantastic day welcoming many of our friends from local clubs and organisations closely linked to sailing and the maritime, and I am immensely proud of the entire volunteer team at BYC, both on and off the water, for their unwavering dedication to ensuring events like our annual regatta are a huge success. I also want to extend a specific thank you to our new regatta sponsor, Victoria Pinkerton, for getting so involved and for her invaluable support of sailing here at BYC.”
Earlier in the day, the cadet regatta faced the worst of the conditions and the challenging breeze necessitated a decision to keep the cadet fleet safely ashore. Nevertheless, approximately 50 cadets ranging from 6-14, got involved in a range of fun onshore activities and games, including a spirited parents vs. children tug of war and a family BBQ. The Cadet Regatta has been rescheduled for the evening of Friday, 24th July, promising a fantastic opportunity for the future generation to get on the water and take part in friendly fleet based racing.
Speaking about the postponement of the Cadet Regatta, Cadet Sailing Convener Catherine Polly said: “Although the conditions meant we had to keep our young sailors onshore, the response was incredible. Seeing 50 cadets throwing themselves into the onshore activities and enjoying the BBQ with their family and friends, showed the true spirit of the club. We are all hugely excited to get them back on the water on the 24th for what promises to be a brilliant evening of racing.”
Finally, reflecting on their inaugural sponsorship of the event, Victoria Pinkerton, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to support this year’s Regatta at Ballyholme Yacht Club. Seeing the determination of the sailors and the incredible community spirit at Ballyholme Yacht Club, especially in such challenging conditions, was truly impressive. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”