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| Grinding the jib, Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 (Copyright 2010 Sailpix Ireland) |
Starting the final race in 7th place and on 65 points for the series, the crew of Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763 (Jeanneau Sun Fast 40.3) headed for the start line outside Dun Laoghaire Harbour in the knowledge that, with two of the big guns in the Spring Chicken, Aztec - IRL 29832, RIYC, RORC, (Archambault 35) and Team Windmill - IRL 8088, RStGYC (J109) in joint 1st place on 52 points each, their own chances of overall victory in the series were slim indeed. Nevertheless, having already grabbed Line Honours twice (Races 2 & 3), albeit from the 2nd of 4 starts in both instances, the crew realised they had a fast boat on their hands and were convinced that, once everyone committed 100% to the cause, a podium finish was still within grasp.
Timing their run to perfection at the starting gun 'Scarletts' were not to be intimidated by Yahtzee's - IRL 1068 (Beneteau Oceanis 411) flying of Munster Rugby's Red Army colours or overly dazzled by it's shinier bottom - secretly cleaned by a submariner in the marina the previous afternoon! With most of the fleet heading inshore from the start, Miss Scarlett opted for the left side of the course and cleaner air and reached Muglins in front at the end of the first beat. Heading downwind however, the crew of Miss Scarlett could see the inevitable charge developing from the rear as 30 Something - IRL 3007, (Beneteau First 31.7) lying in 2nd on the course, was being steadily hauled in by two of the A35s, Adrenalin - IRL 1348 and Another Adventure - IRL 3511, RIYC and J109s, Indecision - IRL 9898, RIYC and Jetstream - IRL 8109, RIYC as they made their way through the early starters. Miss Scarlett, sailing under white sails, poled out the headsail and goose-winged towards Scotsman's and the slalom element of the course as her main pursuers flew kites with varying fortunes. The shifting wind and sloppy sea proved tricky for some and tellingly the downwind section of the course resulted in the undoing of the pre-race favourites. To the surprise of Miss Scarlett's crew, nobody ever threatened her comfortable lead and Scarlett rounded the 'outfall' mark clear in front before completing the course with a short second beat to the finish line between Mac Lir (Committee Boat) and West Pier, Dun Laoghaire. Line Honours were Miss Scarlett's for the 3rd time in the series but who would win the overall prize would be anybody's guess at that point.
Back at the National Yacht Club, the after race party hosted by series sponsor Viking Marine was soon in full swing with spot prizes being awarded by McWilliam OneSails, North Sails and O'Brien Press. As always the warm hospitality of the club and staff was most evident and well appreciated by all. The banter and fun enjoyed at Miss Scarlett's table was echoed all around the room but how many crews were treated to a special end-of-series home baking treat to celebrate the event? Thanks Christine! Little did you think you could have spared yourself the trouble of icing the cake had you and the rest of the crew known Dublin Bay Sailing Club race organiser Fintan Cairns was soon to provide the best icing of all by announcing not just 1st Place on the day under Echo Handicap ('Fecho' Handicap as has been irreverently attributed elsewhere in deference to Fintan' s unique system!) but overall 1st to Miss Scarlett in the Spring Chicken 2010 series and presentation of the coveted Jasmin Trophy (courtesy Philip Smith, DMYC) to skipper Anthony Keane.
DBSC Spring Chicken 2010 Overall Results available as a PDF download HERE
Podium: 1st: Miss Scarlett - IRL 4763. 2nd: Pippa IV - IRL 4281. 3rd: Aztec - IRL 29832.
Race 6 Photo Gallery HERE