While looking for a cost-effective option for one design small keelboat racing, a group of members from Greystones Sailing Club got together and identified the Hunter Formula One as a solution. Over the winter of 2022/2023, four boats were bought up, and maintenance or upgrades were carried out.
As part of the Taste of Greystones Regatta, the new local class was given its own start, and six boats competed, welcoming Martin Mahon and his Snoopy Race team, travelling up from Courtown Sailing Club as the only visitor. A fifth local boat was purchased on the Wednesday before the event and quickly put together to make the start. The Greystone U25s team also competed in their Formula One with great individual race results.
The Irish championships consisted of five windward-leeward races.
Racing proved to be very tight, with only one point separating second, third and fourth positions overall.
Six boats contested the Hunter Formula One Championships at Greystones Harbour
Speaking about the weekend, the Greystones-based Hitch Hiker (Frank O'Rourke/Graeme Noonan - second overall) crew said, “We had great one-design close racing. Plenty of places changing throughout the races kept it interesting for all involved.”
The Bitz team (Dara McDonagh/ Jonathon Sutton) also noted, “It was a brilliantly organised weekend of racing and great to see the revival of a fleet I grew up racing in. The boats are light and nimble, providing close racing with numerous lead changes per race.”
The overall winners were Usain Boat, from Greystones Sailing Club, with a crew of Rachel O’Leary, Marty O’Leary, Paddy Blackley and Tom Moran.
