Dun Laoghaire experienced idyllic conditions over the weekend for Kenny Rumball and his team from the INSS to run the inaugural Irish Sailing League, attracting a number of top class teams from throughout the country.
The Royal Irish Yacht Club acted as host for the two-day regatta, with the format consisting of twenty short, sharp fleet races in ‘equalised’ J80 boats. Ten races were secured each day for the ten competing teams. Competition was fierce at the top end and under the watchful eye of Race Officer Barry O Neill and his experienced team, the whole process ran smoothly from race 1 through to race 20.
In addition, robotic marks were deployed for the first time in Irish waters and were deemed to be of enormous benefit in keeping the programme moving and on schedule throughout the two-day event.
As is always the case, there can be only one winner, and the honours went to Sam Hunt and his team from Kinsale YachtClub. Second were a very strong Royal St. George Team captained by Jack Fahy, with Martin Mahon and his Courtown Sailing Club team picking up bronze. The Winners of the event now have the option to represent Ireland in the Sailing League overseas later this year, where they will be pitted against the best of the best from many other Countries.