The last race of the 2009 series at the weekend, from Pwhelli to Howth decided the Overall ISORA Champion for 2009. The National Yacht Club and Beneteau First design boats took the first three places with “Tsunami”, Vincent Farrell’s First 40.7 winning the coveted Wolf’s Head Trophy in a clean sweep of Overall and Class 1. “Galileo”, Sean Lemass & Tony Tennyson’s First 47.7, last years ISORA Champion came second 2nd and “Lula Belle”, Liam Coyne’s First 36.7 taking 3rd place. Class 2 Overall was won by “Just Enough”, Stephen Tudor from Pwllheli Sailing Club.
The total entry list for the 2009 ISORA Series numbered 26 boats. Interest is growing again in offshore racing not only on the Irish side but there is a revival of interest also on the Welsh side. Five welsh boats took part in the series in 2009. The Lyver Race from Holyhead to Howth in July, run in conjunction with ISORA, saw a fleet of 27 boats, 17 of which were from England and Wales.
With the Round Ireland Race scheduled for June next year the ISORA race schedule for 2010 will be weighted to provide ample offshore racing to give prospective crews experience before then.
Prizes will be awarded at the ISORA Annual Prize Giving Dinner to be held in the National Yacht Club on 7th November.
