The Iniscealtra Sailing Club annual Gortmore Bell race took place on Lough Derg on Saturday 7th September.
\nWith very light wind forecast for the day, the usual 30 mile race was shortened to 20 miles, so the race
\nturned at the Coose Bay mark rather than the usual Gortmore.
\nThe class 2 boats started 30 mins earlier than class 1 with \u2018Whisper\u2019, a comfort 30, taking the early lead on
\nthe water. In class 1, it was \u2018Sonic Boom\u2019, an SB20, that led the fleet out. It was these two boats that ended
\nup fighting for the overall win.
\n\u2018Sonic Boom\u2019 caught up the 30 minute deficit just before the last turning mark. The northerly wind dyed out
\nmomentarily and was replaced with a Westerly enabling the two class leaders to reach the new breeze first
\nand they stretched out on the rest of the fleet to take first in each class with \u2018Sonic boom\u2019, sailed by
\nAndrew Deakin, Brian McElligott and Colm McElligott taking the overall win having gained a further 23
\nminutes on the shifting upwind leg to the finish.
\nThe wind speed dropped again after the leaders finished, making it a long last leg for the remaining fleet.
\nSecond in Class 1 went to \u2018Silk\u2019, a First Class 10, with third going to \u2018Zombie\u2019, a platu 25. In Class 2, second
\nplace went to \u2018Celtic Charisma\u2019, a Kelt 29 and third place went to \u2018Serendipity\u2019 a westerly Longbow.<\/p>\n