Laser 2000 Irish Nationals at Carlingford Lough Yacht Club

Laser 2000 Irish Nationals © Henry McLaughlin

Laser 2000 Irish Nationals © Henry McLaughlin

Laser 2000 Irish Nationals © Ita Bradley

There were 13 entries for the second Irish Nationals; 5 visiting boats from England and 8 locals. Saturdays forecast was daunting for any race officer with wind force 2-4 from west to northwest to northerly depending on which forecast you looked at. As it turned out they were all right as the wind came from each of those directions in 5 minute intervals!

Despite this race officer Mick McCann successfully ran 3 races on Saturday each of which provided close racing not reflected in the 3 bullets scored by Elizabeth and Tom Fillmore! The main challenge came from Henry Mc Laughlin Junior and Finbar Bradley, the latter having crewed in last years winning boat. This young crew managed a 4,3,2 despite ripping a spinnaker in mid second race! Close on their heels was Dr Lavender AKA Ian and Sarah Yardley with a 2,4,3.

This left the Fillmores clear overnight leaders with Dr Lavender sharing second place with Bradley/McLaughlin.

On Saturday evening the Irish played their trump card attempting to destabilise the English fleet with copious amounts of alcohol, food, loud music and sleep deprivation but would it be enough? Sundays forecast was for force 3-4 winds from the northwest, however, at most times the wind was less than force 2 and caused some problems with a spring tide running. Mick McCann had his work cut out for him moving windward and leeward marks several times before and during each race.

It looked as though the Irish strategy was paying off as the Fillmores got caught over the line on the first race and had to go back. This allowed Henry and Liz McLaughlin to claim the first race of the day from Bradley/McLaughlin and left Dr Lavender in 3rd having led for most of the shortened race. The second race was a runaway by Karl and Luke McCluskey who were rediscovering their Irish roots and deprived Dr Lavender of an elusive win. Normal service was resumed in the final race with the Fillmores claiming their Irish title in style.

At the presentation Elizabeth Fillmore thanked the club for a wonderful event and promised to return next year to defend her title. Commodore Mick McCann thanked all the visitors for making the journey to Ireland and sponsors Purple Marine and Noble Marine.

Overall Results: