Despite the recent upheavals due to COVID-19 and after much deliberation and consultation the Flying Fifteen Association of Ireland has confirmed that the Championship of Ireland will proceed as planned at Waterford Harbour Sailing Club in Dunmore East starting on 21st August.
Competitor numbers will be down for the Toyota Waterford Championships. A turnout of about 16 is expected, half of which are travelling from the North of Ireland, according to the Class President Chris Doorly.
In 2019, the Championship was part of the Subaru Pre-World Championships at Dun Laoghaire Harbour. UK visitors Nathan Batchelor and Richard Rigg who clinched the title then are not defending in 2020, so there should be a new name on it by Sunday evening August 23rd.
Despite the small fleet, racing will be very competitive, As Afloat reported previously, 1988 and 1992 Olympian Peter Kennedy, also a former Irish SB20 champion, is back in the fleet and so is 1995 Fireball world champion, John Lavery, sailing with Alan Green, with some early success already on Dublin Bay. Strangford Lough's Andy and Rory Martin will also be among the favourites in the small but competitive outing.
Waterford Harbour duo Lee Statham and Charlie Boland lead the local challenge.
The club has put in procedures based on Government and Public Health Guidelines and have appointed a COVID Officer for the event with the priority being the safety of club members, competitors and the local community. The changing rooms and showers will not be available and there will be limited access to the club depending on numbers and social distancing.
