A fleet of 19 boats took to the waters of the Corrib on Saturday for the 112th Cong Galway Sailing Race - the longest and Europe’s oldest inland water race.
The competitors hailed mainly from the three local clubs, the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club, which hosts the event, Galway Bay Sailing Club, and CSS Spiddal.
First inaugurated 128 years ago, reportedly as a wager, the 30 mile race from Lisloughrey Pier Cong to the Corrib Rowing and Yachting Club on Earl’s Island in the heart of Galway city provides sailors with some tricky challenges, and this year first across the line was GBSC members Tim Breen and Gerry Murry in a Hobie Tiger. Fellow club members Cian Walsh and Fiachra McHugh, sailing a Dart 16 were the winners on handicap.
Once again the field comprised solo, team and family racers in a variety of classes including lasers, catamarans and small cruisers.
Results: Line honours, Tim Breen & Gerry Murray GBSC, in a Hobie Tiger; Winners on handicap (Portsmouth Yardstick ), Cian Walsh & Fiachra McHugh, GBSC, Dart 16, 1; Jack Lee & Ciaran Jordan, GBSC, 420, Tommy Furey, GBSC, Laser 1, 3; Class prizes Dart 16, Bernard McCarthy and Noreen Goonan, GBSC; 420 class, Jack Lee & Ciaran Jordan, GBSC; Laser class, Tommy Furey, GBSC; Cruiser Class, Robert Headon and Faustina Hwang; First CRYC boat, James Lee.
