Zhik Irish Laser National Championship at Ballyholme Yacht Club - Overall
by Mark Mackey 1 Sep 2014 08:41 BST
28-31 August 2014
After three days of strong winds, the final day of the Zhik Laser National Championships was always forecast for light breeze before strengthening in the afternoon. Race Officer Robin Gray attempted several early starts but the wind kept shifting from side to side and it was early afternoon before things settled down. It meant there was time for only one race as an early time limit jad been agreed so that people could get home.
James Espey again took the lead on the downwind in the Standards and led the way home. Fionn Lyden eventually overtook Finn Lynch in a close battle to take second place and also second place overall. Finn had to settle for third overall though also added 1st Irish Laser Youth to the World Under 19 title won two weeks ago. This was James Espey's fifth Irish National title matching the record of the legendary Bill O'Hara. Bill was also competing here coming 14th (3rd Master), before flying off tomorrow or get ready as Race Officer for the upcoming Volvo Round the World Race. Thomas Chaix was first Master.
In the Radial class, Cian Byrne won the final race from Annalise Murphy and with it second place overall. Annalise won overall (her second Nationals title) and was 1st Lady. Liam Glynn had been leading Cian overall coming into today although only by one point. Unfortunately a bad start and an early yellow flag for body pumping put paid to any chances of Liam catching Cian. Ross O'Sullivan had another consistent day to take 4th overall.
Johnny Durcan continued to show his great form at the top of the Laser 4.7 fleet adding a second to his tally, finishing with only eight net points overall and ten points ahead of his nearest rival Rory Fekkes. Rory Caslin won the final race but this was still only good enough for 3rd overall with Scott Levie in 4th.
Ron Hutchieson was given a special award at the prize giving for 35 years of continuous service to the Laser class by event organiser Paddy Brow and ILA's Colin Leonard. Many thanks were given to the Race Officer Robin Gray, safety lead Ruth Mullan and the many volunteers for another great event.
Overall Results: (full results here)
Standard
1st James Espey (Ballyholme YC/ RUYC) (1),1,1,1,1,1
2nd Fionn Lyden (Schull SC) 2,(6),3,2,3,2
3rd & 1st Youth, Finn Lynch (National YC) 3,2,(6),3,2,3
4th Darragh O'Sullivan (Kinsale YC) 7,5,2,4,4,(8)
5th Colin Leonard Ballyholme YC) 4,3,4,6,(8),5
11th & 1st Master, Thomas Chaix (Kinsale YC) 12,12,(13),7,13,12
Radial
1st & 1st Lady, Annalise Murphy (National YC) 1,1,1,2,(3),2
2nd Cian Byrne (Royal Cork YC) 2,6,6,1,(7),1
3rd Liam Glynn (Ballyholme YC) (6),4,5,3,2,22
4th Ross O'Sullivan (Kinsale YC) (16),5,3,4,4,5
5th Conor O'Beirne (Royal St George) (11),7,2,7,5
4.7
1st Johnny Durcan (Royal Cork YC) 2,1,1,(13),2,2
2nd Rory Fekkes (Ballyholme YC) (8),2,4,1,4,7
3rd Rory Caslin (National YC) (9),4,2,4,8,1
4th Scott Levie (Lough Derg YC) 1,9,9,11,(40 BFD),3
5th Conor Sherriff (Courtown SC) 5,8,3,15,6,(16)
Ballyholme Yacht Club is very grateful to Zhik who are sponsoring the Irish Laser National Championships for the first time. Tested and proven, Zhik gear is the clear winning choice of Olympic and World champions around the world. Fast wetgear products including the revolutionary T2 harness for trapeze sailors, PowerPads for hiking sailors, Superwarm Wetsuits, Microfleece, Hybrid gear and high tech footwear. Gear for dinghy sailing, yachting, paddling, SUP boarding and kite board racing, join the growing league of athletes who are embracing brilliantly waterproof breathable & durable gear in events such as the America's Cup, Vendée Globe & Sydney to Hobart. Shop direct with Zhik online or find a retailer near you for high performance wetsuits, thermals and much more.
McCready Sailboats are offering a sail for raffle on the Saturday evening of the Championships, and will be on-site during the event.
www.ballyholme.com/zhik-irish-laser-national-championship