#ircwales – Plas Heli in North Wales hosts the IRC Welsh National Championships from 21st to 23rd August with competitors entered from all corners of the Irish Sea catchment area including Irish stars Jump Juice from Royal Cork Yacht Club and Fools Gold from Waterford Harbour Sailing Club.
There is a strong J boat challenge with Storm from Howth Yacht Club ready to do battle with the local Pwllheli J109 fleet; Sgrech, Jeepster and Jetstream. The Dún Laoghaire boats include Cri Cri, Gringo and Tsunami who return to Pwllheli again this year after enjoying their visit last year. In 2014, a man overboard cost the Royal Irish entry Cri Cri a shot at the Welsh title.
Plas Heli is also welcoming competitors from South Wales; Forward Thinking from Cardiff and Dark Angel from Swansea.
Local contenders from neighbouring SCYC include Corby boats Imposter and Ingenious both usually on the podium.
Liverpool Yacht Club entries include Diva, Legless Again, Eazi Tiger, Badabing, Di Rich and Kerageous.
The races will have the latest tracking for shore crew to follow the racing - or for analysing in the evening whilst enjoying the social activity that has been arranged.
The socials start with a Commodore's 'On The Balcony' reception on Thursday evening, taking in the spectacular views over the bay from the recently completed Plas Heli iconic building.
After missing both the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle and Volvo Dun Laoghaire week Waterford Harbour's Fools Gold, the winner of May's Scottish Series, will be back in action for the Welsh IRCs. Photo: Marc Turner
Volvo Dun Laoghaire week victory for Jump Juice in July means the Cork based Ker is in top form for more Irish Sea action next week. Photo: David O'Brien
Former ISORA champion Sgrech (Stephen and Richard Tudor) will be racing in home waters for Welsh national honours
The new dining facilties at Plas Heli
The 29er worlds opening ceremony at Plas Heli this week. The new centre is proving a draw for dinghy and cruiser events
The Crew Dinner on Friday is a must for all competitors. After racing on Saturday, in addition to the BBQ and other dining experiences we have a spectacular 75 strong Welsh male voice choir.
Plas Heli – The Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre have already hosted the Optimist European and Optimist Nationals, 29er Nationals and this week the 29er Worlds with almost 200 competing boats from all over the world. The opening ceremony was on Saturday night with over 500 competitors, guests' friends and supporters attending.
Racing in the IRC Welsh National Championship will be professionally orchestrated by Royal Dee Yacht Club's race management team led by Michael Butterfield who aims to provide the fleets with a great racing experience. The Royal Dee are represented on the water by the 2014 overall winner Guy Cowper in his Corby designed Stratisfear.
The IRC Welsh National Championships is building up to a most memorable event on and off the water.
It is not too late to enter - and they can still accommodate more on the event berths (free to competitors for the duration of the Championships)
