Laser 2000 Irish Champs at Carlingford Lough Yacht Club

Racing during the inaugural Laser 2000 Irish Championship © Philip O'Farrell

On the weekend of 30th & 31st of May at Carlingford Lough Yacht Club, the inaugural Laser 2000 Irish Championship (the Shamrock Trophy) was awarded to CLYC members Barry McCartin and Finbar Bradley, co-inciding with the IDRA 14s' (Irish Dinghy Racing Association) Northern Championship, and it was a brilliant weekend, both on the water, and at the Club house.

The weather was extremely kind, drenching the Laser 2000s and the IDRAs with sunshine, and providing up to 25 knots of wind on Saturday and more gentle conditions on Sunday. Visiting boats came from Chichester and Ballyholme and it is hoped that the feedback they provide will ensure that many more Laser 2000s from GB and throughout Ireland will attend next year.

Barry and Finbar, who happen to be campaigning for the 2012 Olympics in the 470 class, borrowed a spare Laser 2000 and led the way in every race except Race 5 on Sunday, the winners of which were John and Pauline Cox from Chichester YC. John and Pauline took a well-earned second place overall. Paddy Rooney and Catherine McDonagh from CLYC won 3rd place overall.

The fleet had its fair share of capsizing, and in Race 1, Michael O'Hare and Osmond Morris (CLYC) managed to snap their mast in two, but were back on the water for Race 2 with a back-up boat. Michael and Osmond finished the event in 4th position, pipping David and Richard Cranley (CLYC) for the best CLYC non-placed boat by the first best rule.However, they generously shared their prize with David and Richard.

Sixth place went to CLYC's Henry McLaughlin Junior (3rd place in the Laser 4.7s at the ISA Youth Nationals & Junior Pathway Championship 2009 at Schull, Co Cork) and James O'Hare (2009 Eric Twiname Topper Champion). The prize for combined age of helm, crew and boat of over 100 years, was won by Henry McLaughlin and Pat Dunbar.

Paul Bradley was congratulated for his superb course-setting (a mixture of Olympic Triangle and Windward-Leeward courses) which was up to his usual standard of race management. Thanks were also given to the event sponsors Norfolk Line, McCready Sailboats, Noble Marine and Seatruck.

This holiday weekend in the Republic of Ireland is the traditional date for the IDRAs to visit CLYC. The fleet has been coming to CLYC for this event for many years and will continue to do so. However, CLYC will endeavour to adjust the date for next year's Laser 2000 Irish Championship to accommodate a maximum turnout from GB. Why not bring over your Laser 2000 for next year's event and spend a week cruising on beautiful Carlingford Lough?

The details, including results and photos, are all available on the CLYC website, at www.clyc.info Then go to SAILING -> Laser 2000 Irish Championships