Sheehy unmatched in Derg event

20th April 2009

Ireland's Nations Cup representative, John Sheehy, reaffirmed his status as Ireland's primo match racer with a win at the first summer match racing event of the season.

The ISA Inland Match Racing Championship was sailed in 6-12knts and sunny conditions last weekend in Lough Derg Yacht Club in the ISA's sailfleet J80s.

Sheehy and his team narrowly held off Royal St George clubmate and Olympic 470 helm, Ger Owens, to claim the win, with 13 wins out of his 16 heats. Event organiser Tom Fitzpatrick rounded out the top three.

The LDYC race management showed their experience by concluding two round robin series, with every team completing 16 matches.

The club has hosted the SailFleet J80’s for the Winter months and used them to great effect with club members.

Event coordinator, Tom Fitzpatrick from Howth YC said: “The J80’s suit match racing perfectly as they are evenly matched and well looked after by the bosun. The umpires were kept busy all weekend and commented on the high standard of competition”.

Match racing recently became a women's Olympic discipline for the 2012 London Olympic Games and has gained in popularity in Ireland over recent years. There is a series of events planned for this year with the next championship scheduled for HYC on 25/26th July.

Results 1st John Sheehy (13 wins)
2nd Gerald Owens (12 wins)
3rd Tom Fitzpatrick (12 wins)

Published in News From the Afloat.ie Archive

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