The BMW George Regatta 2010
Congratulations to all involved - another superb Regatta!
Preparation for this event began two years ago. Jorgen Andreasson produced a video of that year's regatta so that we could sell the package for this one. 2008 was a good show but 2010 would be better. (View both videos here.)
Initially, I felt that the recession would scupper any thoughts of a sponsorship deal but Bernard Neeson pulled BMW and Murphy & Gunn out of the bag and we were off. An enthusiastic committee got together in January and plans were assembled for an ambitious celebration. The excitement generated came partly from the fact that this was a brand new team.
Success on the water was a primary target. The experiment in 2008 with the combined courses worked so we set about doing it again. I am eternally grateful to Henry Leonard, commodore of the RIYC, and our own Hal Bleakley for the endless hours of meetings that were needed to get it right. Larry Power from the NYC and Brian Cusack, commodore of the DMYC, also gave a hand while the cost of production of the cards was shared by the waterfront clubs. For the environmentally minded, Joan Mac suggests using the old cards as chopping boards or funnels for oil instead of throwing them out.
We were the only club to do the online entry system. We believe it is the way to go although some people still like pen and ink. Susan Murphy, with characteristic charm and efficiency managed the race office and ensured that entries and results merged seamlessly. Ian Bowring was sensational as he cut the numbers in a manner that was relaxed but comfortingly authoritative.
On the water, cross club cooperation was to the fore as Henry Leonard and Jack Roy, who stepped in at the last moment, joined Michael O'Rahilly as race officers to give the competitors on the day a superb set of races. Gracious thanks are due to all the volunteers who took to the water and, in particular, the boat owners who leant their precious vessels for the occasion. The Irish Navy entertained our sponsors out in the bay. Lt Commander Darragh Kirwan and his crew were perfect hosts.
Ashore, things really began to hot up by 4.00pm. The ladies were spilling on to the balcony after a sponsored lunch organised in great part by Madie Kilbride. A jazz band was performing to rafted sailors on the new pontoon. A 12 piece brass band was thumping it out on the forecourt before food stands, beer bars and a froberry stall. A bucking bronco exercised the adolescents and a jumping castle amused the infants. Other children bloated with candy floss and popcorn were safely subdued by lobster munching parents trying to take it all in.
The prizes, so artfully organised by Dee Neeson, were dispatched in record time before Fidel took to the stage at 6.30. This South American band came replete with sexy salsa dancers and the party was now moving into a new gear. The gala dinner that followed was voted by many attendees as one of the finest dinners ever served in the club. Yet another band took to the stage on the forecourt at 10.00pm. By this time, a whole new crowd had arrived and the festivities flowed past midnight as the disco took over and trundled way into the early hours.
Michael McNamara, who held the fort for me while I absconded, is already working on 2012.
To Ann Gill, Geraldine Keogan, Sonja Lee, Ronan Adams and Carol Healion who took this project from inception to perfection thank you; to Gareth, Stephen, Leah, Paul, Tara, Adam and all the gang from the bar to the kitchen and the boathouse from us the members thank you one and all for a memorable day.
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Justin McKenna
Chairman
Regatta Committee
Results are available here.
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