Cora McNaughton and Isha Duggan are 2024 Irish Sailing Junior Champions Cup Sailing Champions.
Well done to the five 420 sailors who competed in the part in the Irish Sailing Junior Champions Cup. An incredible performance and given all achieved to five positions in a very competitive fleet of 16 boats. 1st Cora McNaughton and Isha Duggan, 2nd Daniel Copthorne (and Killian Power) , 5th Max Sweetman and Fionn Lynch.
With thanks to Afloat.ie for article
Cora McNaughton from Blessington Sailing Club and Isha Duggan from Royal Cork Yacht Club have been crowned the 2024 Junior Champion of Champions. The duo, nominated from the 420 class, clinched the title at the Fastnet Marine Outdoor & Education Centre in Schull, West Cork. Their victory came after an impressive performance over the weekend, securing three wins and two other top-three finishes.
Coming in a close second, with just one point difference, were Daniel Copthorne and Killian Power from Schull Harbour Sailing Club/Schull Community College Sailing Club. Third place went to David and Sinead Evans from Sligo Yacht Club.
The weekend kicked off with favourable racing conditions on Saturday, with a good breeze allowing for prompt race starts despite some shifty winds. Daniel and Killian made a strong start by winning the first race, with Cora and Isha following closely in second place. Riona McMorrow Moriarty from Tralee Bay SC and Andrew Kingston from RCYC also delivered solid performances throughout the weekend, each securing a first-place finish in races six and three, respectively. The Race Committee adeptly adjusted the course to accommodate the changing wind conditions, ensuring a total of six races were completed.
The second day saw a quiet start as competitors patiently awaited the wind to pick up. Despite the wind dropping off, the committee managed to conduct two races on Sunday. However, due to insufficient wind for a medal race, the standings were left unchanged after eight races, securing Cora McNaughton and Isha Duggan’s position at the top as Irish Sailing Youth National Champions.
Irish Sailing would like to thank Sinead Scully and her team from Fastnet Marine & Outdoor Education Centre for their efforts and hard work over the weekend, both on and off the water. Thank you also to the Principal Race officer Nigel Biggs and his team along with Umpires Ian Venner and Tim O’Connor and their team and finally also to Safety Leader Ronan Duggan and his team and all the volunteers who gave of their time over the weekend.
