England's Craig Burlton and his two man crew are back on Dublin bay two weeks after the trio lifted the
Irish SB3 championship in convincing style here two weeks ago.
The result was an indication of British prowess in the class, as if it were needed, and one that puts Burlton as favourite for the inaugural World title to be decided this week.
136 SB3s drawn from 13 countries have assembled at the National Yacht Club for tomorrow's first race.
Following a pratise race the competitors were welcomed at an opening ceremony last night by Government Minister, Mary Hanafin TD, Ireland's Minister for Family & Social Affairs who officiated at the opening ceremony flag where the flags of the 13 nations involved were raised.
Billed as the biggest one-design keelboat regatta ever held in Ireland, entries were still being taken last week and some of the latest additions represent Ireland’s best hope of success.
Just in is Olympic Star helmsman Peter O’Leary who has teamed up with Beijing team mate Tim Goodbody. Double Olympic race winner Ger Owens is also sailing.
The trio top off a 58-boat Irish fleet that is taking on an established UK fleet of identical size. The balance of the fleet is made up of entries from as far a field as Australia, United Arab Emirates and the Ukraine.
The warm up three weeks ago event saw Burlton win through from Class supremo Geoff Carveth also of England. Ballyholme's Gareth Flannigan kept the Irish flag flying though going into the last race to finish top third overall, a result that shows that Ireland has the speed to win at this first ever world championship for the class.
CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAMME
Sunday 21st Sept
Opening ceremony 1800
Monday 22nd Sept
1st Racing Day – 3 races
Tuesday 23rd Sept
2nd Racing Day – 3 races
Wednesday 24th Sept
3rd Racing Day – 3 races
Thursday 25th Sept
4th Racing day – 3 races
Friday 26th Sept
Final racing day - 2 races
Prize giving and closing ceremony
