Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

Pipedreamer stayed in Dun Laoghaire for the week, ready for the VDL Regatta.  For us, the Regatta comprised 4 coastal races around Dublin Bay in a variety of conditions, including 30+Kts.  The racing was great fun as was the 'craic' - the VDL generates a really good atmosphere, with all the waterfront clubs getting involved.  Pipedreamer put in a reasonable performance in the middle of the fleet, though with only 5 onboard,  we were always going to struggle a little in the more testing conditions.  Our section of the Regatta was won by a Farr 42, Wow, with a particularly impressive series, which, I think, also won them 'Boat of the Regatta'.

2015 was the bi-centenary for the Royal Dee Yacht Club, so they commemorated this by sponsoring the Royal Dee Offshore Championship, which was made up by combining the Lyver Trophy and the Offshore section of the VDLwith no discards.  By dint of having competed in both competitions, Pipedreamer VI managed a creditable 5th in a strong fleet.  The Trophy went to Mojito, one of the ISORA regulars, who also deserve a special mention for an outstanding performance in the 2015 Fastnet.



The return trip to Holyhead was completed under asymetric spinnaker in a record (for us) of 7hrs 20mins, breakwater to breakwater.