A complete all-round performance at the Inlands sees John Sheehy (Afloat Sailor of the Month for April) lead the tour and he returns as the team to beat. With Ger Owens’ absence, Tom Fitzpatrick leads the challengers. His more conservative style and local knowledge may suit conditions off Irelands Eye where the current plays as much a part as the wind. Brian Reilly from Sligo sits in 4th place. With little separating him from Martin Mahon, Mark Tighe, Ben Duncan and Andy Deakin in Lough Derg, places in the chasing pack will be fought over tooth and nail. Mary O’Loughlin will also be taking part in preparation for the Women’s Match Racing Europeans at the beginning of August.
Four new teams join the Match Racing Tour of Ireland in Dublin. Ger Owens is replaced by fellow St George Knights team racer Andy Fowler. The St George Knights will need no introduction having formed the basis of the Irish team at nearly every Team Racing World Championships – they are also the current Team Racing National Champions.
The second new team sees the second entry into match racing from a team from outside the traditional team and match racing circle. Having trimmed main sheet for Ben Duncan at the Inlands, Eoin Leahy returns with his own team partnered by none other than Prof O’Connell.
Kim Stewart flies in from California and Conal Casey rounds out the list of competitors.
Harry Gallagher leads the race management team, ably supported by a full team of international umpires in Michael O’Conner, Ailbe Millerick, Peter Johnson and Alan Baser.
Racing is scheduled to start at 10:30 on the 25th and 9:30 on the 26th and spectators are welcome. We promise that, weather permitting, there’s no finer way to spend a day out on the water.
The line-up for the second leg of the Match Racing Tour of Ireland, to be hosted by Howth Yacht Club on July 25/26, has been finalised. The competition ratchets up another level with eight of the nine teams taking part in the Inlands in April being joined by four new teams.
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