Currach and Galway Hooker racing

The lock gates in Galway harbour only open for the two hours before high water. That had been perfect for going in mid afternoon, but unless we wanted to stay there all day we needed to be out EARLY. Julian set the alarm for 05:30, half an hour before the lock gates closed, but we were woken by the loud engine of a cargo boat at half four. Since we were awake anyway we put Worm back in the water, let go the lines, and headed out to pick up one of the mooring buoys in the bay. Once there we went back to bed.

The two Hookers that had been in the harbour yesterday afternoon were on mooring buoys near us, and by 09:30 I was wondering if they were going to be racing or not. We had been told that the Hookers were due to arrive at Spiddle at 1400, and although it was only 10 miles away the wind was light, and they have no engines. Julian was itching to be away, so we cast off from the buoy and headed west.

Robinetta in Spiddle bay

We managed to sail for nearly an hour, then the wind died away and the engine went on. It looked as though it would be another scorchingly hot day. On arriving at Spiddle we anchored Robinetta off the breakwater and rowed ashore in Worm, who was much admired.

Spiddle Harbour

We met Seamus Keaney, the main organiser of the regatta and after he had laid the course it turned out we were on the finish line so Seamus told us the best spot to move to. We went back on board and headed very slowly and carefully over to where we would be out of the way. There was an unmarked rock over there somewhere.....

The first Hookers hove into view at 1330, a little flotilla in the distance. Another four appeared from various directions, but the racing did not start until 1545.

Meanwhile there were currach rowing races to watch, and the sun to soak up...

Once the Hooker races started we hauled up our anchor and followed the fleet for over half an hour, dodging out of the way of the racers, safety and camera boats, and other yachts who were also following the (very slow) action. Julian got some great pictures.

We left the fleet at 1630, and headed for Kilronan harbour on Aran. It was only 15 miles away, but what wind there was was on the nose, so it was engine all the way until we arrived at 2030 and rafted up on another yacht on the harbour wall.

The race results were: 

**Torthaí Féile an Spidéal***

Báid Mhóra

1. An Tonaí

2. American Mór

3. An Capall

Leath Bháid

1. Croí an Chladaigh 

2. Volunteer