Please select your home edition
Edition
DAWS2023 - LEADERBOARD

Lennon Racewear Irish Laser Masters Nationals at the Royal St George Yacht Club

by Sean Craig 22 May 2018 16:15 BST 19-20 May 2018
Sun, wind and waves during the Lennon Irish Laser Masters © Heather King

The Irish Laser Master Championships took place at the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire over the weekend of May 19/20, generously sponsored by Lennon Racewear. The regatta attracted 45 entries, split into 30 Full rigs and 15 Radials.

The Irish fleet, drawn from all four provinces, was boosted by competitors from the US, UK and Sweden, over to test out the venue for the Laser Master Worlds in September 2018.

After a season of mainly light winds so far, competitors gathered in gorgeous sunshine on Saturday morning, buoyed by a promising forecast that did not disappoint over the two days. While the sunshine gave way to grey skies on Sunday, a fresh Southerly provided wind and wave to give challenging conditions, ranging from 12-25 knots throughout.

In the Full rigs after Day One, a breakaway group of three sailors threatened to sew up the podium early, despite intense competition throughout a home fleet literally chomping at the bit for the Worlds in September. Manhattan-based Mike Matan, sailing under the burgee of the RYA, claimed the second and third bullets of the day. Whether starting at the pin or the Committee Boat, Matan often seemed quickest away early on port, which was favoured all day as the starboard layline offered up good gains versus those tucked in just below or approaching on port. Daragh Kelleher from Skerries Sailing Club had taken Race One after diving early to that favoured side of the first beat. Corkman Nick Walsh also sat pretty overnight with 4,2,2. Only Gareth Flannigan (Ballyholme Yacht Club, reigning champion) and Howth's Dave Quinn managed individual races in the top three.

Day Two dawned with a similar forecast and the fleet moved to a different track. The Race Officer made good on his promise to use both of the general race areas that will be employed at the Worlds, where the turnout of 350+ will require two race courses.

More lessons were learnt on flatter, less confused water but again with thrilling offwind legs as the breeze touched 20 knots once more. Up front in the Standards, however, it was business as usual as the same three dominated. Matan took his third win in the final, fifth race to take the overall win and First Master (45-55). Taking the silver medal was Apprentice Master Kelleher, just ahead of Walsh. This made Daragh Kelleher First Irish Master, well-deserved after taking two race wins and using up his discard with a DNC when feeling unwell for Race 3. John Simms from Ballyholme Yacht Club showed he's lost none of his heavy weather prowess and took the top Grand Master award, finishing a highly creditable 5th overall. Sweden's David Bourghardt from Kullavik KK rounded off the top 10, just ahead of David Hillmyer from Sarasota in Florida, competing in his second Irish Nationals (he took a race win in 2016).

The Irish Laser Masters scene has finally woken up to the attraction of the Radial rig for older and/or lighter racers. It was great to see 15 entries here after also getting good Master turnouts of a dozen boats with the smaller sail, joining in with our youth sailors at early season regional events. The potential for further growth here looks promising.

Sean Craig of the host club tended to pop out in front and ended up with five bullets but on Sunday he was pushed and headed for long periods by Chris Boyd from Ballyhome Yacht Club, ex Finn Olympian who, like Craig, has recently transitioned to Radial rig. Also new in the division is Dublin-based Italian Marco Sorgassi, from RStGYC, who came 3rd overall behind Boyd after a consistent showing, holding off the likes of Troy Hopkins (Howth Yacht Club), Ian Magowan (Tralee Bay Sailing Club) and Dragon Champion sailor Neil Hegarty of RStGYC/Baltimore SC. Shirley Gilmore (RStGYC/Kinsale YC) defied her light stature in the strong winds and placed a very respectable 7th overall, claiming the Top Lady award amongst four female sailors in total.

Sailors enjoyed an excellent three course Regatta dinner on Saturday, after which Irish Sailing High Performance coach Rory Fitzpatrick spoke for almost 90 minutes. A Laser Olympian himself (Athens, 2004) he focused mainly on his role as Coach to our "Radial Queen" Annalise Murphy, chronicling all the highs and lows. We heard about the lows and the soul-searching debrief after the London Olympics and that heartbreaking 4th place finish. Then on to the next Quadrennial and a fascinating insight into the meticulous preparations that brought Annalise her silver medal in Rio, a period which also included a glorious win at the European Championships in Dun Laoghaire in 2013.

This Masters regatta was run faultlessly on the water by Race Officer Harry Gallagher, supported by his usual Flagship team and a hardworking team of Dun Laoghaire mark layers and RIB drivers. Start lines were square, courses were fair and race turnaround time was instant. Onshore, a compact but very able team kept the show on the road and we would like to thank the Royal St George Yacht Club for looking after the class so well. It augurs well for the Worlds when the neighbouring National Yacht Club comes onboard as co-host. Thanks also to Open Full rig Champion Mike Matan for his kind words at the Prizegiving. He got his gold medal and Lennon voucher, but that Irish Masters trophy stays in the country with top Irish finisher. Mike was a true Gentleman when this was explained to him.

Last but definitely not least, a big thank you to Mike Lennon for his generous sponsorship. Lennon Racewear really is amazingly warm, dry and flexible kit. Laser Masters, more than most, really appreciate good sailing gear. Check out the range at www.lennonracewear.com

Final Results can be found here.

Related Articles

World Sailing names Paris 2024 Race Officials
With 50-50 gender split in key positions World Sailing, the world governing body of the sport, is pleased to announce the names of the Race Officials who have been appointed for the Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Competition. Posted on 6 Dec
RYA Scotland Winter Championships
56 junior and youth entrants battled at Largs 56 junior and youth entrants across six classes gathered for the Winters Championships over the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of December in Largs for a sought-after opportunity for sailors to come together from all corners of the country. Posted on 3 Dec
Sail Melbourne overall
Matt Wearn continues winning the ILCA 7 class Yesterday's clouds and rain made way for sun and steady winds as Australia's Olympic sailing stars emerged on the final day of racing at Sail Melbourne. Posted on 3 Dec
Sail Melbourne Day 3
Wind and waves wreak havoc A traditional Melbourne south to southwesterly wind of 16 to 22 knots saw sailors battling whitecaps and an increased sea state of 1-meter waves at a wet and wild Sail Melbourne today. Posted on 2 Dec
Sail Melbourne Day 2
The future shines bright Some of Australia's brightest young sailing stars shone bright on another glamour day of racing at Sail Melbourne today. Posted on 1 Dec
Sail Melbourne Day 1
Australia's best Olympic sailing prospects dominate Some of Australia's best Olympic sailing prospects lit up day one of a windy Sail Melbourne on Port Phillip today. Posted on 30 Nov
Matt Wearn wins AIS Male Athlete of the Year Award
For outstanding achievements by a male athlete in sport and beyond sporting performance Reigning Olympic and World ILCA 7 Champion, Matt Wearn, has added to his glittering list of accomplishments in 2023 by being named the Male Athlete of the Year at the AIS Sport Performance Awards in Melbourne. Posted on 29 Nov
Top ILCA7 sailor wins NZ Sailor of the Year
Top ILCA7 sailor, George Gautrey was the big winner at the 2023 Aon Yachting Excellence Awards Top ILCA7 sailor, George Gautrey was the big winner at the 2023 Aon Yachting Excellence Awards on Friday, winning three awards including the prestigious Orbit World Travel Sailor of the Year, winning the coveted Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy. Posted on 26 Nov
Thames Valley ILCA series at Queen Mary
It was a tough day to put three good races together After 3 previous attempts to run the QM ILCA open due to a lack of wind the forecast for Sunday had some promise as it was due to increase during the day. Posted on 14 Nov
ILCA 7 Inland Championships at Draycote
Alistair Brown takes the crown The competition kicked off with a vivacious start as gusts of wind provided the perfect backdrop for a showcase of skill, allowing Ben Flower to swiftly take command of the early races. Posted on 10 Nov