John Maybury's Joker II was named 'Boat of the Year' this afternoon at the ICRA Conference in Limerick.
The judges followed the lead given to them by Afloat.ie readers this week in an online poll where Joker II featured prominently.
Announcing the winner from a shortlist of 12 boats, previewed by Afloat.ie here, the Dublin J109 that competes in both offshore and inshore disciplines was marked out for its consistent performance at the ICRA National Championships in Howth.
Maybury, of the Royal Irish Yacht Club, recorded a back-to-back win in the ICRA Nats – the only boat to do so in 2015–2016 – and under the skippering of Commandant Barry Byrne, she was the first winner of the new inter-forces Beaufort Cup including winning its Fastnet Race. Same boat, but completely different crews – Joker 2 made a special claim for top boat of the year.
The J109 Joker II will be seeking three titles in a row at this year's ICRA National Championships in June. Photo: Aflloat.ie
Maybury's crew, it has been revealed, are aiming for three in a row at this year's National Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club in June.
The trophy was accepted this afternoon by one of Maybury's crew, Mark Mansfield, the four time Olympian from Royal Cork Yacht Club.
ICRA Commodore Simon McGibney addresses 70 delegates at today's ICRA conference in Limerick
