Hurricane 5.9 Europeans at Ballyholme Yacht Club

The start line at the Hurricane 5.9 Europeans at Ballyholme © Betty Armstrong

What makes a great championship? How about competitors asking to come back even before racing started?

And for Sean and Jo Ward from Lymington it was an unforgettable championship, for not only did they lead overnight all week, they won by a comfortable 5 points from defending European and National champion, Andy Webb, crewed by Finley Humphries. William and Charlie Sunnocks from Brightlingsea were third and fourth, , upsetting the applecart, were the local father and son duo, Adrian and Mike Allen

Blessed with continual sunshine, but with less wind than Hurricane sailors would like, the 56 strong fleet enjoyed first class racing on impeccable courses set by race officer, Ken Atkinson. And in a week when races were being abandoned and cancelled all over the country, the entire programme was completed.

Right from when competitors saw the welcoming banner on the main road and were greeted personally by the Committee, it was obvious that this was going to be a very special week.

Racing was held on windward leeward courses with double bottom marks. The breeze was light early on Monday and Sean and Jo Ward got off to a good start, leading from after the first beat, with the Allens second and Ben Goodland and Matt Young third. A big shift meant relaying the marks for Race 2, also won by the Wards who led throughout. Sean's twin brother Duncan recovered from a 14 first time out to dominate the third, and win from Sean and Jo.

Getting to the start next day was difficult in a virtual calm and necessitated much paddling. But the benevolent Race Officer postponed, although the black flag caught several thereafter. Tuesday saw another win for Sean and Jo as well as a 7 and a 19. Webb took two seconds and a win. Up there too were the Sunnocks with another first, the Allens with two fourths and a third, Neil Connelly and Richard Hanmore with a third and fourth and Ashley and Julia Machin with a five and two.

After the lay day, Thursday brought a good 12 knots but saw only one race due to rolling fog. Connelly recorded his first win and after five mediocre races locals Elaine and David Taylor followed their Tuesday's 6th with an eighth.

The north easterly built nicely during Friday morning. Connelly and Ward changed places throughout with Connelly pipping Ward and the Taylors taking a joyous third. Webb won race 9 from the Sunnocks with Sean fourth behind Duncan. The winning gun of the final nail-biting race was an emotional moment for Sean and Jo. Webb's second gave him runner up slot and the Sunnock's discarded ninth put them third overall.

On and off the water this event was a stunner. The entry fee included a welcome buffet, evening meals and bacon butties and coffee every morning. The daily Mug of the Day was followed by free entertainment - a Quiz, an Irish night, Barbecue, Jazz and a Disco to round off the week. The host(ess) night at homes of BYC members was a big hit.

By all accounts the sailors had a cracking time. Sponsorship from the Tourist Board, Red Insurance, Josiedesigns, Nova Rentacar, Posh Nosh, Bullick's Giftware, the Borough Council, Northern Ireland Events Company and Stena was much appreciated.

But it'll be some of the little things that the sailors will remember - Water buckets all over the dinghy parks to save going to the hose points, lock up trailer storage and a personal framed print and photograph of each boat.

Great Irish 'craic'. Watch out for it on Sky's Watersports World in October.

Overall Results: