#boat of the year – The Cork based solo yacht named 'Full Irish' skippered by 22-year-old David Kenefick has won ICRA's boat of the year award. The decision was announced at today's annual ICRA conference at the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire. It is the first time a solo campaign has won Irish cruiser–racing's top prize and reflects a season of highs for the Royal Cork Rookie on the professional French offshore sailing circuit.
He was just 21 when he qualified to become a Figaro 'rookie' mentored by former participant Marcus Hutchinson, and though he turned 22 during June as the 2013 programme accelerated through a demanding season, he continued as the youngest in a schedule which saw him complete almost 7,000 offshore miles, nearly all of them single-handed.
It's only the latest award for the youngster, last month for his year long series of achievements he lifted Afloat's Sailor of the Month award.