Ireland’s Tom Dolan on the Podium at the Paris International Boat Show

10th December 2018

Solemn moment…..Ireland’s Tom Dolan (right) looking unusually serious as he is honoured for his third place in the rookie division in the French Offshore Championship at the Paris Boat Show Credit: Gerry Jones

Tom Dolan of Ireland had his hectic first year on the Figaro circuit during 2018 celebrated at the Paris International Boat Show over the weekend when he was on the podium for the National Championship Offshore awards writes W M Nixon.

The Meath man took third overall in the rookie division following his success in the Two-handed Transatlantic Race at the beginning of the season, and then in the Figaro series itself in September, he was well up the rankings overall with his boat Smurfit-Kappa, despite having to pull out of the first leg after a rigging spreader became detached. Once back in the race for the next three stages, he showed some very promising bursts of speed, and was at his best in the difficult stage from Portosin in Northwest Spain across the Bay of Biscay to St Gilles.

Among those in Paris in support of his achievement in being the first Irish sailor to make this particular podium was Irish Sailing President Jack Roy.

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WM Nixon

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William M Nixon has been writing about sailing in Ireland for many years in print and online, and his work has appeared internationally in magazines and books. His own experience ranges from club sailing to international offshore events, and he has cruised extensively under sail, often in his own boats which have ranged in size from an 11ft dinghy to a 35ft cruiser-racer. He has also been involved in the administration of several sailing organisations.

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