The picturesque waters of Lough Derg came alive as Killaloe Sailing Club hosted the inaugural joint event of the 420 Leinster Championships and the Fireball Munsters. The weekend proved to be a resounding success, with fourteen 420s and fifteen Fireballs taking to the water. This Lough Derg venue also proved a lovely introduction for the new young 420 sailors to experience their first regatta, and the camaraderie and support among the participants created an encouraging and inspiring atmosphere throughout the event.
Overcoming a less-than-ideal forecast of light airs and rain, race officer Liam Maloney displayed expertise and perseverance, delivering one race on Saturday in a fickle breeze using an Olympic triangle course. Sunday dawned again with a decent enough breeze, but when the competitors got to the starting area, that had vaporised. However, the sailors' patience was duly rewarded when a very decent northerly wind, between twelve to seventeen knots, set the stage for three thrilling and closely-contested races on a windward-leeward course.
Kate Campion and Amalie Soffee from Malahide Yacht Club claimed the gold, while Max Sweetman from Waterford Harbour Sailing Club and Roisin Mitchell Ward from Galway Bay Sailing Club secured a close second position. Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu, also from Galway Bay Sailing Club, secured the third spot.
Second in gold fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Roisin Mitchell Ward and Max Sweetman with John Callanan, Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club
Third in Gold fleet gold fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Killian Mathieu and Sean Lemmonier
Sarah Whyte from Lough Ree Yacht Club and Keelan Darby from Howth Yacht Club took home the honours in the Silver Fleet, while Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave, both from Galway Bay Sailing Club, narrowly missed out on countback, in second. Charlie Donald and James Harvey of Cumann Seoltoireachta an Spideal claimed the third.
First in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Keelan Darby (HYC) and Sarah Whyte (LRYC)
Second in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave both GBSC
Third in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Charlie Donald and James Harvey of Cumann Seoltoireachta an Spideal
The hospitality of John Callanan, Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club, and the dedicated team of volunteers was second to none. Their warm welcome, hospitality and excellent facilities not only catered to the needs of the sailors but also accommodated a plethora of tents and camper vans, adding a delightful social aspect to the weekend.
The upcoming 420 National Championship at Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, scheduled for 18th to 20th August, promises more excitement as it welcomes the 420 fleet and the Fireball fleet again.
