ICRA Nationals and Sovereigns Cup - Preview

The Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) National Championship and Sovereigns' Cup 2015 gets underway today Wednesday 24th until Saturday 27th June at Kinsale Yacht Club.

There has been an exceptional response by sailing crews from almost every coastal county in Ireland and many from the UK, as 112 boats have entered this major event. The four-day event will decide four national titles as well as the coveted Sovereign's Cup, ensuring close competition in each class.

In Division 0, the highest rated boat is the Ker 40 'Keronimo,' that is expected to plane at speeds in the high teens if the wind speed rises, so she will take some beating- particularly on the round the cans courses. 'Roxy' will worth watching also as she was on the 2010 commodores cup winning team and is expected to be well crewed. Conor and Denise Phelan's 'Jump juice' is also consistent and one to watch.

IRC 1 is a very competitive mix; the highest rated boat 'Bam' - a Sunfast 3600 - is somewhat of an unknown entity but her chined hull will suit the reaching around the cans courses. It will be very interesting to see how she stacks up against proven IRC performers such as the J109s and A35s.

Notable J109s include 'Jelly Baby' who is currently on fire having won the UK J109 nationals last week and the Vice Admirals Cup late last month. The A35 'Fools Gold' was overall winner of the Scottish series at the end of May and is expected to feature as is the JPK 9.60 'Alchimiste' and Pat Kelly's 'Storm.'

IRC 2 is an ultra-competitive division. All eyes will be on half Tonner 'Checkmate', that will be very well sailed. Others to watch will be 'Equinox,' 'Slack Alice,' 'Harmony' and 'The Big Picture.' Lighter/medium airs will favour the half tonners so it will be interesting to see how the weather affects this fleet.

IRC 3 is no less competitive: all the Corby 25's will feature. However given good breeze is expected, word has it that 'Bad Company' and 'Dis a Ray' will be in the running for places.

IRC 4 features some strong quarter tonners that are expected to feature this year. 'Quest' and 'Black Fun' enjoy medium/heavy air, not forgetting a challenge from 'Anchor', a super all rounder.

If conditions favour planning, Flor O'Driscoll's J-24 is expected to do well, having come 2nd at the J24 nationals held last weekend in RCYC.

It is hoped that the new divisions will make the event more competitive and enjoyable for all although the weather, as always, will be a major factor. As the current forecast suggests medium plus conditions, boats made for such breeze or the larger boats in each division are expected to come to the fore.

Organisers, Kinsale Yacht Club, estimate the regatta could deliver at least a €750,000 boost to the local economy as the majority of participants will be visiting from outside the area and will avail of Kinsale's renowned reputation for top-class hospitality.

As main sponsor of the event, Cork County Council is taking the opportunity to promote Kinsale as a tourist venue and the start/finish point for the much acclaimed Wild Atlantic Way, as several cruising boats are likely to stay in the West Cork area after the regatta.

Additional sponsors include CH Marine, Anderco and Olimpic Sails. The Kinsale Good Food Circle is sponsoring the day prizes, giving vouchers for crew suppers that will be well worth winning.

Many of the Ireland's best racing crews will be competing for the Sovereigns' Cup under the international IRC handicap system that is also used to decide the ICRA national championship titles. The Portcullis Trophy will be awarded to competitors under the ECHO handicap system.

Regatta Director Mike Walsh said: "We are delighted with the strength and depth of entries this year across all classes and are looking forward to a fantastic series with favourable weather conditions and great racing. Kinsale is a very popular racing venue as it has a unique mix of tradition, hospitality and facilities plus a spectacular sailing environment."

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