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Displaying items by tag: J24 Eastern Championships

Ten Irish boats from the 41 international entries for the forthcoming BMW J24 European Championships at Howth are availing of the opportunity to practise in the same race area this weekend by competing in the J24 Eastern Championships hosted by Malahide Yacht Club and sponsored by Malahide Marina.

The event will provide six races over two days, with Neil Murphy as Principal Race Officer, and the favourite to add to his string of titles will be Flor O’Driscoll on ‘Hard on Port’, who recently retained the national championship at Lough Erne.

Among those expected to challenge that supremacy are former champion Stefan Hyde and Howth’s Fergus O’Kelly while John Murphy and Martin Darrer in the recently-acquired ‘Sayonara’ could also be in contention. The forecast for the weekend is for fresh south-westerlies which will test the fleet fully in advance of the Europeans which start on September 12th.

That event has attracted 41 entries with the latest entrant from Hungary bringing to nine the number of nations represented at that major championship. Seven of the top eight finishers in the recent UK J24 Nationals in Weymouth are travelling for the event, with a multi-national crew on ‘Reloaded’ (Mark Penfold) sailing under the US flag.

Published in J24

About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.