East Antrim Boat Club set to host pursuit race fund-raiser

(l-r) Gordon Kane East Antrim Boat Club's commodore, Jane Jobling, Jo Wilson (Meningitis Trust) Tom and Chris Jobling. INLT 34-921-CON

Hosted by East Antrim Boat Club and set to be held on Saturday, September 7, it is a type of pursuit race for sailing dinghies were the slowest boats get away first in system of staggered starts. These are timed by a formula which masses the fleet for a nail-biting spectator focused finish.

Open to mono-hulled dinghies which are rated under the Portsmouth Yardstick method, the day will feature two events: a morning race (11am) which is aimed at juniors and parents with children onboard. The main race, the Chase Race, gets under way at 1pm. It has already attracted huge interest from across Ireland and an array of championship level sailors will be battling it out for the big prizes.

The winner of the Meningitis Chase Race, courtesy of P&O Ferries, will receive a return crossing to Scotland.

Overall it is a fundraising day drenched with fun and challenges and event organisers are offering every competitor free entry into a raffle. As a bonus, every competitor will also receive free issues of Yacht & Yachting magazine!

The team at EABC has assembled a spectacular prize pile thanks to donations from the marine trade across the Province, together with the generosity of the local traders. And onshore too it will be prizes all the way.

After racing competitors their friends family and spectators can submerge themselves in the Fête; an ‘aqua fête.’ There will be plenty of fun and entertainment at Curran Point.

The driving force for the Meningitis Chase Race is the Jobling family. Well known in competitive sailing circles, this is the first time they have taken their fundraising campaigns afloat. A previous fund-raiser which was held in memory of their grandson, Stan, at Larne Bowling & Tennis Club raised in excess of £8,000 for the Meningitis Trust. This time the family’s aims are more subdued; their objective is £1,000.

The lead sponsor for the day is Larne-based RES with support from P&O Ferries, Johnston Campbell, B9, Hoy Dorman, and Yachts & Yachting. For more information on the Meningitis Chase Race visit www.eabc.org.uk.