The inaugural OCM Construction Formula 1 Regatta proved to be a tremendous success, with great sailing, after it was held in Courtown recently.

Eight local boats took part, and ten races were sailed with the overall tital going to J Ni Mac.

The first day's sailing occurred in light winds, making it very tricky for competitors. A big wind shift just before the fourth race meant the start line became verybiased at one end, leading to lots of close encounters adjacent to the committee boat. The races on day two were held in much better fresher conditions with the wind gusting and shifting continuously, leading to extrenely tight racing and places changing regularly.

J Ni Mac, skippered by Bob Sheriff and crewed by Martin O'Leary, Martin Crowe, Kieran Crowe, Yvette Deacon and David Sheriff, came first overall.

Second was Jou Jou, skippered by Dermot O'Morchoe and crewed by James Mahon, Iain Biddulph, William O'Morchoe, Aibheann Kinsella and Carline Siggins, while third was Blitz, skippered by Jonathan Sutton with a crew including Martin Mahon, Craig Sutton and Elaine Mc Kernan.

The Event was sponsored by OCM Construction of Kilmuckridge and the organisers also thanked Tom O'Connor for putting up a perpetual trophy which, it is hoped, will attract UK competitors in future years. Thanks also went to Iain Biddulph for his expertise on the start and finish line.

(The Echo - Wed 5th Oct 2005)