The Melges 15 East Coast Championships held off Dun Laoghaire on June 21–22, served as a thrilling prelude to the upcoming European Championships at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. Hosted by the Royal St. George Yacht Club, the event drew 11 boats from across Ireland, including strong contingents from Ballyholme and Howth.
The regatta featured four races on Saturday in ideal Dublin Bay conditions, followed by a breezy Sunday with three races in gusts up to 25 knots. "Flying Tiger," helmed by John Sheehy with Isabel O'Grady, emerged victorious despite a capsize on the final day, narrowly edging out the competition by two points.
A standout feature of the event was the use of the Vakaros RaceSense system. This cutting-edge technology provided real-time data and centimetre-level accuracy eliminating the need for general recalls. Race Officer Barry O’Neill praised the system, noting its effectiveness in maintaining race flow.
With the East Coast Championships now concluded, all eyes turn to the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta in July, where the Melges 15 fleet is expected to grow to over 30 boats for the inaugural European Championships. This anticipated turnout marks a significant milestone for the class in Ireland and Europe.