Wicklow’s Ger Owens Crowned Irish Sailing Dinghy Champion of Champions at Royal Cork Yacht Club
Wicklow Sailing Club’s Ger Owens and Ross Killian (National Yacht Club) took top honours today, Sunday 5 October, at the Irish Sailing Dinghy Champions’ Cup hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC).
This marks Owens’ fourth Champions’ Cup title, and his third with long-time crew Killian, at an event that showcases the very best of Irish dinghy sailing. A three-time Olympian, Owens was nominated by the GP14 Class, in which he has consistently excelled, including victory at this year’s National Championships at Rush Sailing Club.
In second place were locals Alex Barry and Sam Hunt (RCYC, Monkstown Bay SC & Kinsale YC), nominated by the National 18 Class, followed by Fireball Class representatives Josh Porter (Newtownards SC) and Conor Twohig (Sutton DC). Last year’s winners, Robert Espey and Michael Ferguson of Ballyholme Yacht Club, finished fourth.
Originally scheduled as a two-day regatta, racing was condensed into a single day due to Storm Amy, a decision that proved wise as perfect conditions prevailed today, allowing all races to be completed. Competition was fierce in the equalised National 18 class boats, with only three points separating the top five by the end of the day.
Winner Ger Owens reflected:
“This was probably one of the best Champions’ Cups we’ve sailed ,both in terms of competition and the spirit it was raced in. The decision to make it just for dinghy sailors was a great move and made it even more competitive, so we’re delighted to come away with the win. Conditions were beautiful, Royal Cork put on a great show, and Ruan (Race Officer) did an amazing job getting all the races in. Honestly, we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
This year saw a new format for the Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup, with the event split into two dedicated weekends, one for Dinghies and another for Keelboats.
Stephen O’Shaughnessy, Irish Sailing’s Racing Manager, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted for Ger and his crew. This was a phenomenally close Champions’ Cup. The final truly went down to the wire, with the top three finishing on 12 points. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such competitive racing, which really speaks to the exceptional standard of all those competing. Great credit is also due to the race officials, especially Ruan O’Tiarnaigh, who did another stellar job ensuring all races were completed following yesterday’s postponement. And of course, huge thanks to the RCYC organising committee and all the volunteers who helped make this event run so smoothly.”
Irish Sailing President Sue Concannon was on hand to present the winners with their trophy and praised both RCYC and all competitors for “a fantastic day of racing.”
The Irish Sailing Keelboat Champions’ Cup will take place next weekend, 11–12 October, at the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire. Read more about the Keelboat line up HERE
Further information & full results can be found here: Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup