The J24 Association has been growing its fleet steadily over the past few years and last year had an impressive 26 boats at the National Championships in Sligo. This year the J24 Association are keen to improve on that number at their National Championships in Foynes in Limerick on the 8th to 10th June. While the target is always 30 boats this would be an exceptional achievement given just two years ago the Irish Nationals had 14 boats taking part.
The association have been targeting a number of areas to help in this development. One of these areas is the Under 25 teams. This follows the success of the K25 teams in Howth Yacht Club and this year an additional two u25 teams have sprung up on the west coast; one from Foynes and one from NUIG Galway with the potential of one or two others from either the south or Northwest regions. Five u25 teams have already entered in the Nationals the J24 Assoc. have agreed there will be an u25 National Champion if there are six teams.
Race Judge Gordon Davies will be in attendance in Foynes. Photo: Afloat.ie
Another area targeted to bring J24 boats back into one design racing is the introduction of a Bronze Fleet at the Nationals. Again, six boats permitting. To facilitate safer sailing and any potential ‘differences of opinion’ with regard to the Rules of Racing, at this year’s Nationals there will be longer start lines and umpires on the water, led by International ISAF Judge, Gordon Davies.
"With less than five weeks to go the entry list is already at 20 boats"
The association have also been actively contacting J24 owners to aid them in getting boats back in the water, linking potential sellers up with new buyers and lending out road trailers to move boats from event to event.
With less than five weeks to go the entry list is already at 20 boats. The J24 Association and Foynes Yacht Club are encouraging J24 owners to get their entries in as soon as possible. The message is don’t be stuck getting there. Contact either the J24 association or FYC and they will help you out.
