In a further boost to today's first race of the Irish Cruiser Racing Association national championships at Howth Yacht Club, the fleet has risen from 73 to 86 boats in six classes over the past week. While over 24 clubs from all four coasts (as well as Welsh and Scottish entries) are represented, two thirds of the fleet are Dublin based. The biggest participant club is the host with just over a third of the fleet or 35 boats coming from Howth. Not surprisingly, Dun Laoghaire boats make up the next biggest contingent with approximately another third, or 31 boats, coming from the four waterfront clubs; the Royal Irish Yacht Club is sending 17 boats, the National Yacht Club seven, Royal St. George four and DMYC (who stage their own club regatta tomorrow) three.

Somewhat disappointingly, there are only six south coast travellers; Royal Cork Yacht Club and Waterford Harbour SC sent two boats each. Kinsale YC (last year's hosts) and Cove Sailing Club each sent a single entry.

A full updated list of the latest entries by class division published yesterday is below.

Quarter tonner Cri Cri will compete in class three of today's ICRA Nationals in Howth. Photo: Afloat.ie

As previously reported by Afloat.ie, it is class one where some of the hottest racing will be today. The championships is the first major outing for Paul O’Higgins on his 36–footer Rockabill VI, a brand new JPK1080 design. The class one fleet also includes the J/109 defending champion Joker II skippered by John Maybury as well as a selection of other J109s such as Afloat's Irish Sailor of the Year Liam Shanahan and 2016 newbie Tim Goodbody who has joined the J ranks from the Sigma 33 class. John and Brian Hall’s Something Else from the National YC, winners of last month's Scottish Series class two are also in the 19–boat Class one.

Avg Wind:1kts, Gust:2kts, Wind Dir:104 °(E), Wave Height:0.1m, Wave Period:3s, Water Temp:14.2 °C at 10/06/2016 11:02:00

— Dublin Bay Buoy (@DublinBayBuoy) June 10, 2016

The championships look set to be sailed in light winds, for the first day at least, with the possibility of stronger conditions tomorrow. First gun is 1225. Download the Sailing Instructions below. 

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ICRA Nats In Howth Yacht Club Will Attract The Cream Of The Fleets