Royal Cork YC helms won both the senior and junior divisions of the Joe Duffy BMW Optimist Connacht Championships hosted by Malahide Yacht Club, with the honours going to Douglas Elmes and James McCann respectively.
Sailed on the Broadmeadows on behalf of the International Optimist Dinghy Association of Ireland, the event attracted an entry of 130 boats which included 30 entries in the Regatta Fleet. In light to moderate, shifting southerlies, Race Officer Neil Murphy and his team successfully completed the full schedule of six races.
In the Senior Division, Douglas Elmes counted two wins, two seconds and a third to take the Connacht title by five points from clubmate Ronan Cournane while two other RCYC helms, Harry Durcan and his brother Johnny, filled the next two places.
Colin O'Sullivan was the highest placed MYC finisher (11th) while MYC's Isobel Shackleton topped the Silver Fleet from Alex Kavanagh (Howth) and George O'Connor (Skerries).
The Junior Division had a large 75-boat turn-out and the eventual (Gold Fleet) winner James McCann only had two points to spare over runner-up Peter Fagan of the National YC, while only one point separated Alix Buckley (Skerries) in third place from Loghlen Rickard (National YC) in 4th.
Silver fleet honours went to another NYC helm Nicola Ferguson, comfortably ahead of second-placed Aaron Rogers of Skerries. Gemma McDowell was the top MYC finisher, 12th overall.
