It was fantastic to see "Ichi Ban" win IRC overall in the Sydney Hobart race last week writes Maurice O'Connell. I raced this iconic race some years back on the IMX 40 "Nips 'n Tux" and it is a true classic offshore race.
"Ichi Ban" was powered 100% by North Sails and had NS colleagues Rob Greenhalgh and sail designer Dick Parker aboard. Here in North Sails Ireland, we have worked with "DP" on numerous projects over the years.
Most recently, these included including Brendan Coglan's Jeanneau Sunfast 3600 "YoYo", John O'Gorman's SF 3600 "Hot Cookie" and Seamus Fitzpatrick's Beneteau First 50 "Mermaid IV".
Rob Greenhalgh is also no stranger to Irish sailing having been a member of the Rolex Commodore's Cup-winning team on Anthony O'Leary's giant-killing Ker 39 "Antix" - also 100% powered by North Sails!
It was also great to see Howth man and "Ichi Ban" sailing master Gordon Maguire win his 4th "Hobart" - nice one Gordon!
Please click here for further info on "Ichi Ban"s Tattersall's Cup overall IRC victory.