The weekend of 19/20 October saw the GP14 fleet return to Lough Erne Yacht Club for the Hot Toddy, the final event of the 2024 calendar.
The warnings that Storm Ashley was due to batter the country did not deter the 34 teams that entered the event. The 34 entries comprised three local Lough Erne Yacht Club boats and 31 visiting boats, some of whom had travelled from as far as Tralee to sail on the beautiful waters of Lower Lough Erne. The fact that this many visitors travelled despite the forecast is testament to the club's renowned event management.
On Saturday, four of the planned six races took place in near-perfect sunny, dry conditions in a shifty southerly wind across the lake.
The 4th race of the day turned out to be the event's final race due to Sunday's storm. Sligo team Paddy O'Connor, with guest crew Richard Street, took this race after a late start and some bad luck earlier in the day. Evans & Draper beat Kearney & Nelson and ultimately won the event. The top bronze in this race went to The Greers, giving them 4th overall and 1st in the bronze fleet. Equal on points with this pair was the first Lough Erne Yacht Club boat of Adam & Emily Torrens, finishing 2nd in the bronze fleet and 5th overall.
After a mentally demanding day on the water, the crews were welcomed ashore with a "Hot Toddy" courtesy of sponsors The Boatyard Distillery, followed by an evening of food and banter in the bar.
At the prize giving, winners David & William thanked event organiser Michael Brines and all the Lough Erne Yacht Club volunteers and sponsors for a superb event.
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