Galway Bay Sailing Club 23/6/2024
Its all go in the Irish International 420 Class as the summer season gets underway. The Cumann 420 na hÉireann Craobh Chonnacht was held in sunny Galway Bay Sailing Club on 22-23 June 2024. The event saw the 420s and Fireballs reassemble, continuing a successful partnership of shared events. The event attracted a large turnout of nineteen 420’s and seventeen Fireballs from nine different clubs.
According to the sailors, David Vinnell and his team set up six cracking races over the weekend. The weather on both days started off fairly light but the breeze steadily built throughout the day meaning that they experienced all kinds of conditions. They got the opportunity to sail all three available courses which made the races really interesting and brought out different strategies for each one. In his winner speech, Sean Cronin (Malahide Yacht Club) described it as a great event with really competitive racing that made it feel like anyone could win.
Leading up to the event, the 420 sailors participated in intensive coaching sessions in Royal Cork Yacht Club and Galway Bay Sailing Club organised by The Irish 420 Class Association and the 420 sailors were eager to put new skills and processes into action over the weekend.
Martina Whyte of The Irish 420 Class Association expressed her gratitude to Galway Bay Sailing Club for their support in hosting the 420 fleet and to sailors and parents for their continued commitment and enthusiasm.
Results from the 420 Craobh Chonnacht 2024
420 Gold Fleet:
- Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin – Blessington Sailing Club and Malahide Yacht Club
- Isha Duggan and Tommy Hiras – Royal Cork Yacht Club
- Max Sweetman and Fionn Lynch – Wexford Boat and Tennis Club and Waterford Harbour Sailing Club
420 Silver Fleet
- Daniel Copthorne and Matt Mapplebeck – Royal Cork Yacht Club
- Isabelle Passberger and Sarah Clooney – Waterford Harbour Sailing Club
- Yannis Heurtevent and Axel Heurtevent – Wexford Boat and Tennis Club
Looking Ahead: European Open Championships in Slovenia and Leinster ad National Championship.
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 to gain invaluable international experience. Once racing finished on Sunday evening, four boats were packed up and sent on their way from Galway Bay to the Slovenian Adriatic.
Next up will be the Double Ree on 20-21 July which doubles as the Leinster Championships for the 420s and the National Championships in RCYC form 16 to 18 August.
