-
by James Frost
On Saturday 21st June, Quoile Yacht Club welcomed around 60 boats to the water for the 2025 Quoile Regatta – an action-packed day of competitive sailing, club spirit, and shoreside celebration. With visiting entries from clubs all around Strangford Lough, the regatta brought together a broad mix of classes and sailors.
Racing took place across 14 classes, with conditions delivering a perfect blend of steady breeze and sunshine. The main fleet racing was expertly managed by Lead Race Officer Vicky Magowan and her team on ‘Ardea of Down’, while the estuary courses, overseen by Brian and Liz Baker, ran smoothly with tight racing across both fleets.
Back onshore, the atmosphere was every bit as lively. A steady stream of sailors, families and guests gathered on the clubhouse for the Regatta prize giving as the kitchen crew served up the traditional Quoile Regatta Tea, complete with member-made tray bakes and sandwiches. The festivities continued into the evening on the terrace and in the clubhouse with a spectacular BBQ with steaks that quickly became the talk of the day.
As the sun set over the moorings, live acoustic music on the terrace gave way to an energetic DJ set inside the clubhouse, rounding off a bustling evening of music and celebration in true Quoile style. The bar was buzzing, there were some dubious moves on the dancefloor, and the laughter of friends – old and new – echoed long into the evening.
From competitive sailing to relaxed socialising, this year’s Regatta was a perfect showcase of everything that makes Quoile special. With more great events ahead – including the re-scheduled Gores Island Race and the Topper Northern Championships in August – the 2025 season is shaping up to be one to remember.
—
Quoile Yacht Club Sailing Committee
