Whilst we were all heading up to Blackrock on Saturday the National 18 Class were holding the Irish Nationals from the RCYC. Reduced numbers this year due to our friend C-19 but no let-up in the racing. Talking to some of the sailors after the event on Sunday this was one of the hardest fought Championships in many years.
North Sails have been heavily involved in the class since 2004 and we had a very intense period again in 2015/16 with the development work on the new Morrison Ultra 18. That was great fun out in the freezing conditions with Colin Chapman and many of the other sailors trialling the new designs and working out the new class rules for the sails with my old friend David Chivers.
3rd overall - Colin Chapman, Eric Lyons and Morgan O'Sullivan Photo: Bob Bateman
Out at Roches Point, the fleet enjoyed some lovely racing on Saturday under the leadership of the one and only John Crotty. Lots of compliments were coming his way after sailing inside the harbour on Sunday, well done John for taking such good care of the fleet on the water.
After the eight-race series, I was delighted to learn that North Sails clients had taken the top three spots overall in the 2020 Irish Nationals.
Congratulations to all the winners:
- 1st Overall Nick Walsh, Rob Brownlow and Eddie Rice on 13 points.
- 2nd Overall was Alex Barry, Andrew Woodward and Grattan Roberts on 19 points.
- 3rd Overall was Colin Chapman, Eric Lyons and Morgan O'Sullivan on 22 points.
2nd Overall - Alex Barry, Andrew Woodward and Grattan Roberts
2020 South Coast Champs
Back at the end of August, the class enjoyed their Southern areas and North Sails customers had another clean sweep of the podium.
Congratulations to Alex Barry, Sandy Remmington and Richard Leonard for taking the win. 2nd overall this time was Ewen Barry, Stanley Brown and Dion Barrett and third overall Nick Walsh, Rob Brownlow and Eddie Rice. Very close racing again which is one of the big draws for the National 18 class.
Congratulations again to all the North clients performing so well with our sails, we are proud to be a part of your success.
Our 2020 Autumn Savings Deal is currently running so now is a great time to buy your new One Design Sails ready for 2021.
Please do not hesitate to give us a call.
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