The first J/Cup Championship in Irish waters on Dublin Bay in August 2023 saw several classes of this leading marque represented in the 40-strong fleet, but there was little doubting that the most intensive competition was in the J/109s.

This especially attractive product of the renowned Johnstone range has not only hit the target for success in Dublin Bay, but the participation by boats from this fleet elsewhere has brought home many significant titles, so this was definitely the class to watch.

Barry Cunningham's J109 "Chimaera" on her way to J109 victory at the J Cup Ireland Photo: Key Yachting

The racing was intense in the extreme, but Barry Cunningham of the hosting Royal Irish YC with Chimaera and his team had a performance graph going the right way, for after a fifth in the first face, they found their groove to register two firsts and ultimately take the title.