A Triumphant revival of the George Invitational Trophy
The Royal St George Yacht Club hosted the long awaited return of their invitational Team Racing Trophy this past weekend.
22 teams battled it out in Swiss League format for two days of competition completing 164 races over the weekend. An impressive 110 races were sailed on the first day of the event, giving teams barely anytime to rest between changeovers in breezy conditions that had sailors working hard from their first gun at 9am to 4.30 when racing was concluded.
“We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both domestic and international teams on the quality of racing, the craic on the Saturday night and the overall organization of the event. The only complaint we have received is that the sailors got too much racing! The George Invitational is sure to be a highlight on the Irish sailing calendar in the coming years, and the flagship event of the team racing calendar.” Jack Fahy George Jesters team member, who had the idea to revive this event.
The first event was in 1948 and the last event was in 2013. It was fairly regular up until 2003 and then became very sporadic up to 2013, so the George are delighted to see the return of this event and hope that it will continue and act as a senior version to the junior Elmo Team Racing Trophy that is held at the end of the summer each year.
Another great show of participation in our sport as teams travelled from Schull, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, Scotland and London to participate in this revived and no doubt prestigious event.
Winning Team Elmside Neighbours said "It's always great to sail in a new venue and the level or sailing at this event is a show of the promising years to come"
The finals were Livestreamed on the Royal St George's instagram account commentated by John Sheehy, so if you missed out you can go back and catch up on the action for yourself!