Mackey Opticians and Ross Boyd Chartered Accountants sponsor Quoile YC 2-Day Event

The weekend of 20-21st August 2022 saw 20 boats competing in three classes for the annual Quoile Yacht Club 2 Day Event. Sponsored by Ross Boyd Chartered Accountants and Mackey Opticians, the popular Strangford Lough event comprises of two races on the Saturday afternoon and one race on the Sunday. Racing was in three classes including IRC, NHC and NHC Restricted Sail.

The Saturday morning weather forecast had the event off to an exciting start, with strong South Westerly winds gusting up to 30 knots. It was a fresh day, and decidedly more autumnal than what we have been used to in recent weeks! However as race one began, the wind had settled into a slightly more manageable 15-22 knots from the South-West. Our competitors welcomed the challenge with enthusiasm – and several were heard to comment later on in the evening about the thrill that they felt during some of the more technical moments of their racing.

Following the racing on Saturday, Quoile Yacht Club invited all competitors back to the club for prizegiving and a BBQ supper. Once the racing was over, the sun made an appearance, and the yacht club became a sheltered sun trap once more. Competitors were able to relax with a cold drink, while enjoying the musical talents of Conal Montgomery. Spaces were available on the pontoon, and many competitors stayed overnight, allowing them to fully enjoy the festivities and get a good rest before the final race on Sunday.

Sunday started much how Saturday had ended – with a bright, sunny day. However this time, the breeze had dwindled away to almost nothing! Ryan’s Gourmet Food Van was on hand to prepare competitors with a tasty breakfast bap and a much-needed revitalising coffee. The final race of the series started off with a temperamental West/South-Westerly breeze of (at most!) only 4 knots. Fortunately, all classes managed to get away, and as the race carried on, so did the wind – allowing competitors to finish strong.

In IRC, Peter Holden’s J109, ‘Going to Red’ had a clean sweep - winning all three races. NHC class was won overall by Michael Petticrew’s stunning Nicolson 43 ‘Magdaleyne’ and storming to victory with two wins in NHCRS was Stevie Andrews in his Hanse 371, ‘Dark and Scary’.

Special mention must go to Leisure 17 ‘Tara’. This yacht was helmed by Molly Harwood (16) and her crew: Chloe Flemming (14), Aine Harwood (14) and Nikita Kirk (19). These young ladies braved not only the brisk wind conditions on Saturday, but also persevered with the much lighter winds on Sunday – finishing in first place on the final race. They achieved a fantastic result, and they also looked the part while doing it – wearing matching pink jackets and displaying a true image of team spirit.

Thanks must go, once again, to our sponsors: Ross Boyd Chartered Accountants (www.rossboyd.co.uk) and Mackey Opticians (www.mackeyopticians.com), who provided the prizes for our competitors and allowed us to celebrate their successes appropriately. We look forward to hosting again next year, which – if possible – will be bigger and even better!

Safe sailing,

Quoile Yacht Club