Picture includes 420 sailors Caoimhe Corkery (RCYC) , Henrietta Leech ( LDYC) , Pascal Hanniffy (GBSC) , Matt Mapplebeck (RCYC) & Daniel Copthorne (SHSC)
Oranmore, Co Galway was the beautiful backdrop for the 2025 420 dinghy Nationals Championships over the weekend , with Galway Bay Sailing Club acting as host. Twenty six boats made it to the start line on the opening day of the event last Friday , where 3 races were completed in beautiful sunny conditions, coupled with light airs.
Some of the favourites to win the national title began to emerge early on with the pairings of Cora Naughton & Sean Cronin, Isha Duggan & Tommy Hiras, Daniel Copithorne & Matt Mapplebeck putting in strong performances.
Saturday saw fresher conditions , with 4 races completed and Sunday was similar with an additional 4 races completed to close out the 11 race regatta.
In the end the title was won by Daniel Copithorne ( Schull Harbour SC) & Matt Mapplebeck (Royal Cork YC) , followed by Cora Naughton (Blessington SC) & Sean Cronin (Blessington SC) taking silver & Isha Duggan (Royal Cork YC) & Tommy Hiras (Royal Cork YC) taking bronze.
Special thanks to Pat Irwin, Commodore of Galway Bay Sailing Club and the wider team for running and great event both on and off the water and also to all the competitors who sailed exceptionally well across the 3 day event in this highly competitive two person dinghy.