Sailmaker Steve Goacher crewed by Phil Evans from Lake Windemere retained his Flying Fifteen European championship title after sailing a consistent series that was cut short by gale force winds yesterday off Kinsale.The forecast strong south westerly breezes reached the race course by noon just as the fleet was making its way to the start area.
Although there was a provision to race inside Kinsale harbour if conditions warranted, race officer Alan Crosbie opted to abandon the final two rounds of the eight race series.
The decision made the overnight results stand with Goacher retaining his title and another sailmaker Alan Bax and Bill Masterman finishing second overall. Third overall was British Sydney Olympian Barry Parkin crewed by Tim Hall.
The top Irish in the 56 boat fleet was Darren Martin and Simon Murray from Strangford Lough YC who finished seventh. The result is a further consolidation of the northern pair's international success following a win in the pre-world championship regatta in Mallorca in 2007.
Next best was another Northern Ireland pair Bryan Willis and John McPeake in 15th. Irish champion David Gorman and Chris Doorly of the National YC in Dun Laoghaire were 16th.
Full results here: http://www.flyingfifteen.ie/web_docs/europeans2008/euro_results_overall.htm
