Driving through pouring rain on my way to the club at 9am and passing flags straining in the wind I placed all my faith in a more favourable forecast and for once it proved correct. A perfect day, fresh, if fickle winds and sunshine.
The House Team had been working from Thursday in preparation and rarely have I seen the club looking so well with its gleaming white paintwork, new awning and colourful parasols.
The day started early with the Model boats competing in their inaugural regatta with past commodores Diane Andrews and Peter Martin testing their skills once again.
In the afternoon 64 boats competed overall across 11 classes in the main fleet and an impressive 20 dinghies in the junior fleet, surely a reflection of the fine work and enthusiasm of Heather Gilmore and others in the club encouraging our youngsters.
The joy of winning was epitomised at the prizegiving by the crews of Moyola and Pequita when in Oscar fashion the whole crew of each boat joyfully accepted their prize. Beating Kenny Smith of course is something few crews get a chance to celebrate!
A fine regatta tea was enjoyed by all followed by an equally excellent barbecue and evening’s entertainment. There are too many people to thank here for their contribution to hosting such a successful event but I hope I have personally thanked most of them.
It was surely the best regatta on the lough this year.
Peter Niblock
Commodore
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