Kinsale Dragon Gold Cup 2024: Exciting Racing on Day 5
The Kinsale Dragon Gold Cup 2024 continued on day five with a new race winner in every race so far. The day saw lighter winds and a more stable sea state, leading to some unexpected faces at the front of the fleet. In a hard-fought race, GBR192 Bluebottle, skippered by Graham and Julia Bailey, claimed victory.
The overall standings remain tight heading into the final day, with Peter Gilmour’s JPN56 holding onto the lead. Defending champion Lawrie Smith is close behind in second, followed by Pedro Rebelo de Andrade in third. With no discard and tricky conditions forecasted for the final race, the championship is still up for grabs.
The day saw plenty of lead changes as boats navigated the challenging conditions. Bluebottle’s skipper Graham Bailey credited some luck for their first-place finish, while second-place finisher Peter Cooke described the day as challenging but rewarding.
Gavia Wilkinson-Cox, who led for most of the race before finishing tenth, highlighted the difficulty of the conditions but expressed satisfaction with their performance. In the Corinthian Division, Hannes Hoellander claimed the race win.
The regatta will conclude tomorrow with the final race deciding the winners. With very light winds forecasted, the Race Committee has set a noon start time. The competition remains wide open, promising an exciting final showdown.
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PROVISIONAL OVERALL TOP FIVE AFTER FIVE RACES:
1st – JPN56 – Yred – Peter Gilmour
2nd – GBR815 – Alfie – Lawrie Smith
3rd – POR89 – First Things First – Pedro Rebelo de Andrade
4th – TUR12 – Provezza – Andy Beadsworth
5th – GBR402 – Meteor – Peter Cooke
PROVISIONAL CORINTHIAN TOP FIVE AFTER FIVE RACES:
1st – GBR753 – Fit Chick – Jono Brown
2nd – IRL211 – Little Fella – Cameron Good
3rd – GER1075 – Grace – Hannes Hollaender
4th – NED309 – Furie – Guus de Groot
5th – IRL219 – TBD – James Matthews
The regatta promises an exciting final day of racing to determine the winners in both divisions.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.