Antrim Boat Club sets sail for winter challenge
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Ahoy there: (L-R) Neil Holland, sales and marketing manager for Firmus energy throws Alfie Mairs and David King from Antrim Boat Club a lifeline as the natural gas company has agreed to support the boat clubs Winter Series.
MEMBERS of Antrim Boat Club have taken to the chilly waters of Lough Neagh this month as part of a 14 week race event, backed by local natural gas supplier Firmus Energy.
The 'Winter Series' is being backed by the gas firm for the third year in a row, and will see small cruisers with crews of four, racing for around one and a half hours over 14 Sundays.
David King, commodore for Antrim Boat Club explained: "We are continually supported on the water by our committee boat 'Blue Thunder'
“Seven of the races will take place pre-Christmas and seven in the New Year and they will involve many members from the local community. Up to ten boats take part each week and a wide circle of family and friends are dedicated spectators.
“We're a hardy bunch and it can get very cold on the water around Christmas time. In the past we have had to sweep snow off our decks and brave strong winds and downpours, but we keep going, while at Christmas we hold a special party when Santa arrives by boat for around 40 of the Club Members' children, which is something that we all enjoy."
Neil Holland, sales and marketing manager for Firmus energy added: "Our headquarters are in Antrim and we know how important the Winter Series is to the community, so we are delighted to be able to put 'all hands on deck' and support Antrim Boat Club."
“We have been working in the local area for a couple of years to enable us to connect many homes and businesses in Antrim to the cost, environmental and practical benefits of natural gas. Although we do everything within our power to keep disturbance to a minimum, it is impossible to install a natural gas network without causing some disturbance. We therefore ensure that we proactively give back to the community and hope our support of the Antrim Boat Winter Series will benefit local people.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish all those taking part the best of luck and hope the weather isn't too cold for the dedicated spectators."
*Meanwhile, Andy Speedie leads the Firmus Energy Winter Series by one point after two rounds.
Race One saw Speedie's Spring 25 sail to victory in light wind conditions followed by David King in Eroica and Peter Frazer in Mischief.
Race Two was a different story when strong winds and large waves pushed sailing conditions right to the limit.
When officer of the day Martin Kidd managed to find a gap in the blustery conditions to run the race, victory went to Alfie Mairs in Quickflash with Peter Frazer second and Andy Speedie third.
