A few days before Easter we had bookings for 13 boats and 41 people, including some who were not planning to sail. As the weekend forecast came into focus it was clear the wind would be a brisk southerly, particularly strong on Sunday.
So it turned out. Eight boats set off from Howth or Dun Laoghaire during the day and had an invigorating sail close-hauled from the Kish as the wind backed a little. By 17:30 all were safely alongside, guided by Brendan Farrell on the marina pontoon.
Some decided not to sail at all, but still made their way to the restaurant by car or bus (the DART service was suspended for the weekend).
We all gathered in Bochelli’s around 19:30 and settled in for an enjoyably social evening with fine food and drink. Afterwards the commodore welcomed newcomers, thanked everyone for coming, mentioned some upcoming events and surprised John Murphy by presenting him with the perpetual trophy for the photography competition. The party dispersed to the marina or home via the pubs of Greystones.
Despite bold plans, none of the boats departed on Sunday so the sailors enjoyed Greystones Marina’s hospitality for an extra day. By Monday conditions were much better and everyone got home without difficulty.