At least 20 boats are expected to race this weekend in a highly competitive 3-day Volvo Puppeteer National Championship at Howth Yacht Club sponsored by H.B. Dennis Airside.

In the absence of the 2010 champion Garret May and with at least six different boats winning club races so far this season, the 2011 event promises to be one of the most keenly-contested in recent years.

Among those expected to be in the frame at the end of the 6-race championship will be David Clarke/Liam Egan (Harlequin), Neil Murphy (Yellow Peril), Alan Pearson (Trick or Treat), Rob Stanley/Tim Callen (Mojo), Scorie Walls/D Browne (Gold Dust) and Susan Sheridan (Ibis).

Racing starts on Friday evening (July 1st) with one race, followed by three on Saturday and two more on Sunday. Race Officer is Derek Bothwell.