The Hunter Formula One Nationals 2024, ook place on 23rd, 24th and 25th of August, as part of the BJ Marine Taste of Greystones Regatta on Saturday, August 24th.
The racing was run by Wexford's Michael Conway, ably backed up by local volunteers.
Four British teams travelled to Greystones to compete in the Irish National Championships after two Greystones boats had travelled to Rutland in Early July and finished 1st and 3rd. The British teams were keen to make amends!
Day 1, 15 - 18 knots greeted the fleet with a 2pm start, three snappy races were complete, with Dara Mcdonagh and team on Bitz leading the charge with a 2,1,1. British team Sprtizer were 3rd after day one with a 3,3,3.
Day 2, was a little lighter with 12 - 16 knots, The 11 boat fleet was a bit tighter in the less challenging breeze, Four races were complete, the day was shared by Bitz and Marty O'Learys Usain Boat, scoring a 2,2,1,1 each. Leaving Bitz 1 point ahead going into the last day, Sptizer held onto 3rd place, but was being chased down by local boat Hitch Hiker (Frank O'Rouke) (Recent RS200 National champion).
Tight racing downwind at the Hunter Formula One National Title at BJ Marine Taste of Greystones Regatta
Day 3, with a forecast of 20 gusting 33+, the fleet apprehensively rigged on the dock, before the committee boat dropped lines and heading to sea, the fleet soon followed. Three more races were complete when most of the other racing on the east coast of Ireland was cancelled. The measured wind topping out at 29knots. There was plenty of action, thrills and spills. There was multiple battles going on through the fleet to secure the podium spots, with Hitch Hiker managing to take over the British and claim 3rd overall by winning the last race. The battle for fifth place was also heating up between UK boat Kingfisher and Local team "Charlie don't surf" skippered by Paul Caffrey, with Kingfisher just about taking 5th.
The 'Usain Boat' crew of Marty O'Leary, Paddy Blackley, Brian Fenlon and Tom Moran retained their Hunter Formula One National title
The battle for 1st place heated up with 3 match races taking place, multiple lead swaps. In the end, it was Usain Boat of Marty O'Leary, Paddy Blackley, Brian Fenlon and Tom Moran who managed to pip Bitz (Dara Mcdonagh, Jonaton Sutton, Kevin Brazel and Niall McDonagh) by a point to retain their national title.
