In the first Thursday night race of the season in Dublin Bay, the SB20 class, vice captain, Pat O'Brien (& Dave Dwyer & Peter Lee) took the first gun of the season. "The first of many" was the aspiring thought of this crew who have, more than most, 'experience' on their side.
It was a benign start with a gentle breeze that took the fleet around the course set by PRO of Olympic fame, Jack Roy. It will be a challenging season ahead with an explosion of numbers in the SB20 fleet this year. Winning guns will be keenly contested.
There is no doubt, that the SB20 European Championships in Dun Laoghaire in August is a draw for lots of sailors and it has attracted some of the top teams in the country.
The boat appears to tick allot of boxes for many with a crew of only 3 - 4 people required and with a the relatively low capital and running cost when compared with other keel boats. The class continues its Lazarus-like resurgence, especially in Dublin Bay.
The first regional championships is eagerly anticipated this weekend at the new Greystones Sailing Club where there will also be representation from other provinces.
Results are here.