Tully’s Pub is at a distinct disadvantage to Connolly’s Pub when it comes to attracting the Kinvara Bay Sailing Club members. Connolly’s is a mere 30 metres from the slipway while Tully’s is at least 200 meters away – and uphill! If you take into account that the sailors also must past Greene’s, Sexton’s, The Auld Plaid Shawl, The Crane, Keogh’s, Conole’s and Flatley’s pubs on the way, is it any wonder that Tully’s struggles to pull in the sailors? The only viable solution was for Tully’s to offer a sailing trophy.

The course started at the bottom of the bay, near the pier, with a southerly wind, or should we say ‘puff’. Starting the race on a dead run with such light winds meant that most of the fleet hit the line at the same time. Those that didn’t found no disadvantage though as they took what little wind there was and caught up quickly.

The first mark outside Tarrea Pier, about a mile away, took nearly an hour to reach for most as we went out against the tide. Those who chose to go down the centre of the channel had slightly better wind but hit more current. Those who stuck to the eastern shore avoided the current but had patches of seaweed and lighter winds.

The second mark outside of Parkmore Pier, about another mile away, put us on a reach. Thankfully there was an increase in the wind. The return trip then started and, on the way to the third mark outside of Crushoa Pier, the fleet really started to break up. The tide had reversed, the winds were stronger - though constantly changing, and the helms had to negotiate ways around the mussel beds. Having reached Crushoa, some chose to cut the corner and stay inside the island while others opted for the stronger winds outside the island. Although I personally was no where near the front to see it, apparently the lead changed 5-6 times in the last 700 metres between about 4 boats. Eventually ‘Snipe’ prevailed with ‘Andiamo’, ‘Juliet’ and ‘Indigo’ a few minutes behind. Special mention goes to ‘Barbie’, helmed by Debbie Brown who ended up in 6^th place. ‘Barbie’ was squeezed out at the start and had to do a penalty, returning to restart nearly in last place Also of note was ‘Tada’ (the only Mirror) sailed solo by Fionn McMullin; she also started poorly but came on to finish a very respectable 7^th.