Third win for father and son sailors in historic Cong-Galway race

Father and son team, Yannick and Seán Lemonnier of Galway Bay Sailing Club, took the honours at this year's Cong Galway Boat Race.

The Lemonniers made it a third victory in a row at this historic annual event, which was sponsored this year by Ashford Estate.

Gary Mangan and Thomas Mills of Blessington Sailing Club finished second in this year's event, which remains Europe's longest inland boat race.

The race was held in challenging weather conditions, but high winds and choppy water did not deter the fleet of 40 boats, which included strong representation from Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club, Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil, Galway City Sailing Club, and Galway Bay Sailing Club.

Setting off from Lisloughrey Pier, there were few dry sailors as the boats picked up speed from the windward mark and made their way to the halfway point at Kilbeg.

First across the line at the stopover at Kilbeg Pier were Yannick and Seán Lemonnier in a time of 54 minutes and 34 seconds, pipping Gary Mangan and Thomas Mills by just 28 seconds.

There was no sign of the winds abating as the boats faced into the tricky channel to the lower lake before moving into the river Corrib where competitors quickly made their way to the finish line with help of favourable winds.

Behind the Lemonniers, Gary Mangan of Blessington Sailing Club and Thomas Mills finished second, while third place and first monohull was awarded to Rob Talbot of Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil and NUIG alongside his crew, Rian De Bairéad of Galway City Sailing Club. The first gleoiteog/cruiser was awarded to Asurnaí, skippered by Coilín Óg Hernon of the Galway Hooker Sailing Club.

 

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