Gortmore Bell 2013

The 33^rd running of the Gortmore Bell Race was held on Saturday September 14^th on Lough Derg. The annual race which is organised by Iniscealtra Sailing Club, Mountshannon, Co.Clare.

The Gortmore Bell is the longest inland sailing race in Ireland and the UK.

This year, 32 boats competed for the trophy. 13 boats in the Class 2 category crossed the start line in Mountshannon at 1100hrs, the remaining 19 boats in the class 1 category crossed the line at 1130hrs.

The winds were very light but the boats had their spinnakers hoisted when turning on to an easterly heading after leaving Mountshannon bay.

As the boats progressed towards the turning mark in Coose Bay the wind had deteriorated and a decision was made to relocate the finish line to Mountaineer buoy near Dromineer on the return leg.

The first boat to cross the finish line at 1609hrs was Double Jeopardy skippered by Patrick Blayney. The final boat passed the finish line at 1735hrs. When the boat handicaps were applied and the final results were calculated Dulcibella was declared the winner of the 2013 race.

Dulcibella, a 26ft Westerly Griffon, is based in the Garrykennedy Sailing Club and was skippered by Aoife Darby. Her crew included her sister Alana Darby and Joe O’Dubghaill.

The presentation of the prizes took place in the Iniscealtra Sailing Club after the race.