420 action hotting up as the summer sailing season approaches
Its all action in the Irish International 420 Class as the intense coaching and racing schedule builds over the coming weeks.
This coming weekend, the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) will be buzzing with activity as it hosts both the Optimist Munster Championship and an intensive 420 coaching session on June 15-16. Led by Riccardo De Felice, a former 420 Junior World and European champion and 470 Olympian, this intense race coaching camp promises to elevate the skills of participating sailors. Riccardo, who has fond memories of RCYC from his early career, returns to share his expertise. He will be supported by Tom Mapplebeck who leads the coaching team in RCYC.
Immediately following this, the action moves to Galway Bay Sailing Club (GBSC) for mid-summer coaching from June 19-21. This session, led by Graeme Grant, a seasoned double-hander Olympic campaigner and coach, now based in Germany and active in land yacht racing, has attracted significant interest with close on twenty boats expected to participate. Galway Bay is a 420 heartland, boasting a resilient fleet from GBSC, Galway City Sailing Club, Cumann Seoltóireacht Spidéal, and more recently Clifden Boat Club. Sailors from Waterford, Cork, and Dublin clubs will join the local fleet, looking to experience the challenging Atlantic conditions. Graeme will lead a team of local coaches, including past 420 champion Aly O’Sullivan, Rob Talbot, and Daniel Thompson from Wexford Boat and Tennis Club. With favourable weather, sailors could enjoy up to 20 hours on the water over the three days.
The action continues with the Cumann 420 na hÉireann Craobh Chonnacht and Cumann Fireball na hÉireann Comórtas Oscailte on June 22-23, officiated by race officer David Vinnell. Following on from a number of successful shared events, the 420s and the Fireballs reassemble for what is proving to be a mutually beneficial partnership. A large turnout is expected from both fleets.
John Barry and Laurik Mathieu of Galway Bay Sailing Club promise a warm West of Ireland welcome to sailors, parents and supporters. A variety of on-and-off-water social events are planned, culminating in a sailor’s dinner on June 22 at the clubhouse.
Additionally, the Irish 420 Class Association is excited to send four boats to compete in the European Open Championships in Slovenia starting July 1. This opportunity allows young sailors, including the 2024 Youth National Champions and the 2023 National Champions, to test the “International” waters and gain invaluable experience for future competitions.
Martina Whyte of The Irish 420 Class Association expressed her gratitude to Royal Cork Yacht Club and Galway Bay Sailing Club for hosting the 420 fleet and is looking forward to the buzz of almost sixty teenage sailors eagerly hitting the water after a long and somewhat inclement Winter. To quote Seamus Heaney “If we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere”.
14/6/2024
