Doug Smyth's team, which includes ex-Dragon sailor, Mike Hendra, has acquired a Squib, negotiated free berthing in Carrickfergus Marina, organised support from Carrickfergus Sailing Club and is hopeful of sponsorship for a hoist. And more is needed. As with any new scheme, there's a shopping list. In this case the hoist at 4,500 is top of the list. This is a demonstration project which Mike hopes will be taken up by other clubs.
Training is to be offered to all volunteers before the scheme can commence.
RYA Laser Winter Travellers Trophy Conor Walsh, of Strangford Lough Yacht Club, has taken the top prize in the RYA Winter Traveller series. He sailed a Laser Radial in the six events during a very cold and windy off-season, and finished first in three of the eighteen races. The fleet of twenty-five youngsters competed in events at East Down, Ballyholme, Carrickfergus, East Antrim and Portrush and so intense was the competition that the lead changed several times throughout. Second overall and first in the Youth division was Debbie Hanna of East Antrim Boat Club who actually won four races but wasn't quite so consistent in the others, finishing 5.25 points behind. Third overall was James Espey of Ballyholme who also won the prize for second youth.