The Volvo Puppeteer National Championships, sponsored by H.B. Dennis Airside and sailed at Howth Yacht Club over the weekend, had an exciting finish, with bookies’ favourite Dave Clarke in ‘Harlequin’ snatching first place on the last day with emphatic wins in the final two races.

David Butler in ‘Enigma’ had been the overnight leader after two wins on the Saturday and seemed to have the winner’s medal in his grasp. But Clarke won the third race of the day and then the double success on the final day meant that Butler had to settle for silver this year, while third place went to Neil Murphy in ‘Yellow Peril’, winner of the opening race in the six-race series.

The handicap cup winner was Conor Mullen in ‘Haemoglobin’ with Noel Davidson in ‘Pinocchio’ second and the Hegarty brothers Andrew and Robin sailing ‘Eclipse’ in third place.

The event was sailed in superb weather conditions – south-east winds between 10 and 15 knots - on courses set by PRO Derek Bothwell. 

Volvo Puppeteer Nationals – overall results

1. Harlequin   Clarke/Egan                9 points
2. Enigma      David Butler               11 points
3. Yellow Peril        Neil Murphy                        18 points
4. Gold Dust   Walls/Browne             20 points
5. Eclipse       A & R Hegarty             20 points
6. Pinocchio   Noel Davidson            27 points