After missing out on Tokyo 2020, Ireland's three male Laser campaigners from that quadrennial are back on the water for the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Laser (ILCA 7) European Championships & Open European Trophy 2021 at Varna, Bulgaria this week. 

A white-out and another six-hour day on the Black Sea meant race officials were only able to squeeze in one race each for the Laser and Radial classes yesterday.

After six races sailed in the gold fleet and one discard, Lynch, a veteran of Rio 2016, is lying 14th. The National Yacht Club sailor is five points off the top ten (download results sheet below). 

If the Carlow native can maintain current form he's in with a chance of a top ten finish and eclipsing his owner personal best performance at a Euros. That, as Afloat reported here, is the 13th scored in Poland last year. 

The fleet spent hours out on the water in rain-driven shifts, but after that lone race, the race committee were forced to abandon the day after one last strong squall passed through the course.

Howth's Ewan McMahon is 39th and Finn Lynch is 42nd in the 58-boat fleet. The trio are joined this week by Ewan's brother Jamie. This is his first senior event in a Standard rig and he is racing in the Silver fleet.

The contracted coach to the Irish sailors, Vasilji Zbogar said on social media "Finn has had a solid qualifying series. Ewan hasn’t performed as well as expected but has plenty of time to turn this around in the finals and move his ranking up overall, and Liam is improving race by race”.

Two more days of racing remain. As only six races have been completed for the Laser men and seven for the Radial fleet the race committee will be under pressure to fire off the three races scheduled today.

Eve McMahon 15th

In the 66-boat Women's Radial division, Eve McMahon is 15th (moving up from 22nd) and Aoife Hopkins is 27th. Both are from Howth Yacht Club.

The Laser End of Season regatta sponsored by Matthews of Cork concluded at Kinsale Yacht Club yesterday with Munster sailors taking the prizes in each of the three rig divisions after four races sailed in the 63-boat fleet. 

The PRO, John Stallard, who successfully complete the Saturday schedule cancelled Sunday racing due to weather forecasts.

Kinsale Yacht Club's own Micheal O'Suilleabhain was the winner of the 11-boat standard division. O'Suilleabhain was two points clear of Paddy Cunnane from Tralee Bay. Kinsale's George Kingston was third, four points behind Cunnane.

In the 24-boat Radial fleet, Royal Cork's Michael Crosbie was four points clear at the top from Royal St George YC's Fiachra McDonnell. RCYC's Jonathan O'Shaughnessy was third.

In the biggest fleet of the end of season regatta, 4.7 Youth helmswoman Eimer McMorrow Moriarty of Tralee Bay Sailing Club beat Christian Ennis of the National YC. Mauro Noguerol of RCYC was third. 

The results are here

As many other fleets have put their boats to bed for the winter, Kinsale Yacht Club is gearing up to host the Laser Class for an end of season event this coming weekend.

The event is proudly sponsored by James Matthews of Matthews of Cork

This event follows on from the hugely successful staging of one of the few sailing events that took place last year again, under the stewardship of Principle Race Officer, John Stallard.

The largest fleet of the event is the ILCA 4 with 26 entered, followed by 24 ILCA 6 and 11 ILCA 7

Local sailors Micheal O'Suilleabhain will be hoping to go one better than last year where is he won the ILCA 6 but this year has entered the ILCA 7 fleet; last year ILCA 7 winner Paddy Cunnane will do his best to maintain his crown.

Jonathan O'Shaughnessy, following on from his Nationals win, will hope to maintain his form in the ILCA 6 fleet but there will be stiff competition from the master section of the fleet and local sailor Dorothy Matthews.

The ILCA 4 fleet has a number of new sailors moving up from other fleets but maintains loads of experience within the ranks with Luke Turvey from Howth, Eimer McMorrow Moriarty from TBSC expected to battle against local sailors Darragh Collins, Isabel McCarthy and Daniel Mallon

Full details along with NOR and Sailing Instructions can be found here

Some of the 'old hands' mixed it with the Laser sailors who had come on the scene since the birth of the Laser class at Ballyholme in 1974. The 39-strong fleet on Saturday (18th September) had a memorable day's racing the club in Ballyholme Bay in Belfast Lough.

The first of the four races began in calm, shifty conditions resulting in a second race recall due to flukey winds. The southerly came through for the rest of the four-race programme. And race officer Aidan Pounder delivered the complete programme by mid-afternoon.

Charlie Taylor (213539) one of the early BYC Laser sailors

The ILCA 4 (4.7) fleet had just two contenders, who tied on four points - 14-year-old Toby Hughes of Royal North at Cultra and Ballyholme and Finn Neely (15) also of the host club, with the tie split in Toby's favour.

In the ILCA 6 (Radial) fleet, local 17-year-old Lucas Nixon topped the scoresheet in the 11 strong fleet after close racing and the same points (4) as the County Antrim YC sailor, Daniel Corbett, with Nixon taking first place. Jess Winton (BYC), on nine points was third.

Lucas Nixon

The largest fleet at 26 was the ILCA 7 and was won by a stalwart of the BYC Laser fleet, Gareth Flannigan, who counted three bullets and a second which he discarded. Flannigan has also made his mark as an SB3 sailor, previously winning Afloat's Sailor of the Month award. Runner up here was another BYC helm, Richard McCullough, two points behind. In third was the Carrickfergus SC sailor, Stephen McLernon, whose best result was second.

Gareth Flannigan (right) winner of the Laser Standard division with Ron Hutchieson

The prizes were presented by Ron Hutchieson, who was the first Laser sailor at Ballyholme and a driving force for Laser sailing across Ireland.

Speaking on behalf of the members of BYC, Rear Commodore Sailing Des Magee said," A great day out on the water was had by all for the Laser 50th Anniversary event. We would like to thank all the participants who travelled from near and far, the rescue team (including the Safe Waters crew) and the Committee boat team, who all ensured a great event on the water to celebrate the Laser 50th Anniversary. And to the large number of people who made this happen from the shore side, namely the BYC office team and the BYC Shore Committee. I hope you all enjoyed the racing and the celebrations after, and we look forward to hosting you all at BYC again at some point in the future".

Jess Winton - 1st Female Radial

Joni Rock, second female in the Radial rig

Toby Hughes winner of the ILCA4 class

Their names will be forever associated with Ballyholme Yacht Club's Laser class. Instrumental in getting the class going in 1974 were Ron Hutchieson and Trevor Millar. Ron persuaded Trevor to leave Newtownards SC and come to Ballyholme. And Ron bought the first BYC Laser, for, brand new, the princely sum of £263! His interest in switching from motorsport to sailing could be attributed to his wife Doris who suggested that; "I should join the local yacht club as this would take up less time and mean that I could go sailing and yet be back home in time for my meals" Little did she know!

Trevor was a motivator and his and Ron's tireless work in the Seventies shows today with the fleet at Ballyholme numbering over 80. Ron says some of the highlights are "Seeing the children of the Laser sailors that I knew in the '70s and '80s now coming into the Laser Class and I am delighted that so many of the sailors on the larger boats nowadays either used to be, or still are Laser sailors". The big attraction in the 70s was that the Laser was virtually maintenance-free.

"Warriors About to Go into Battle". This properly serious-looking foursome from the cream of the 1982 Irish Laser Class, with their mentor Ron Huthcieson on right, are (left to right) Simon Brien (later multiple Edinburgh Cup winner and other majors), multiple champion Charlie Taylor (still at it in the Laser Masters), Olympian Bill O'Hara, and Dave Cummins, All-Ireland Helmsmans Champion 1981 and 1982 Credit: courtesy Bill O'Hara

Also, there in the first few years were Willie Forsythe, Charlie Taylor, John Stewart, Mike Kinnear and in case you think it was an all-male preserve, Elaine Taylor, who joined in 1977, as did Bill O'Hara who is among the 'old hands' planning to turn out on Saturday 25th September for the Anniversary open event. John Simms started in 1978.

The event will feature ILCA 7 (Standards), ILCA 6 (Radials) and ILCA 4 (4.7s). The warning gun is at 10.25 am with racing over Windward-Leeward and Trapezoid courses.

Maeve Donnelly (McNally) and Trevor Millar courtesy Elaine Taylor

Ron was Hon Secretary of the Irish Laser Class was from 1974 – when the Laser made its debut in this country – until 2017. Last year he retired as Chairman of Irish Sailing's Racing Rules & Appeals Board 

Bill reached the top of international sailing at Olympic level and ultimately held the three positions in the world of sailing competition as Judge, Umpire and Race Officer. Earlier this year he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to sailing. 

Olympian Bill O'Hara

Just as well neither Ron nor Bill was judging in the early days at a Royal North Regatta at Cultra on Belfast Lough when Charlie Taylor got somewhat annoyed and (I saw this happening) drew alongside Trevor Miller and jumped aboard – let's say it was surprising they stayed upright! But two in a Laser was small fry compared to when Elaine set what she says was a "World Record" with 42 people on board! She does admit they were mostly young Cadet members.

Those were the days when sailors named their boats. Trevor's was Maggie Mae after the Rod Stewart song; John Simms's was Strawberry Streak; Bill O'Hara called his The Flying Fenian and he says, "I redressed the balance with my next Laser which was called King Billy". Ms Elaineous is self-explanatory, and Mike Kinnear's was Ruth.

Gillian Guinness and Elaine Taylor

Trevor Millar went on to form SailCoach in the Newtownards Business Centre and worked for the RYA. And long before the RYANI had 'Squads', Trevor started Ross's Water Sailing Squad. Elaine reminisces " Those were the days when we travelled the length and breadth of Ireland going to Laser events - Trevor towed us with his Dad's old Marina Estate, then his builder's van. Everyone camped before racing all weekend!". She continued "They were halcyon days with no cares, mortgages or pressure to perform, and lots and lots of laughs. We all made lifelong friends through Lasers, and some are still my best friends today - Gillian Guinness and Maeve McNally. I raced against Annalise Murphy's Mum over the years, Cathy MacAleavey".

Irish Ladies Laser and Masters Championships circa 1975 courtesy Elaine Taylor

BYC's Rear Commodore Sailing Des Magee says that "With one of the largest Laser club fleets in Ireland, Ballyholme Yacht Club is pleased to welcome all Laser sailors to its celebration 50th Laser Anniversary Open Event on Saturday 25th September. BYC has a long association with the Laser class and a wealth of talent from ex Olympians, top Laser sailors and less experienced recent additions to the fleet. We are excited to be offering Laser sailors of all abilities the opportunity to spend a day of sailing celebration at BYC sailing amongst the greats - and the rest of us".

Laser racing today at Ballyholme

The Royal St. George YC has announced the launch of a unique Laser (ILCA) sprint regatta series in association with sponsor Grant Thornton.

The Laser dinghy fleet in Dun Laoghaire and across the country has been having a bumper season with record attendance numbers at various regional and national events. The Royal St. George YC, with probably the largest Laser fleet in the country, has just announced a unique series of one-day regattas to encourage more people into the sport.

Commencing on October 9th, with a ‘Race with Champions’ event, the regatta series will consist of 4 events between now and next summer. The ‘Race with Champions’ format sees national champions from across the 4.7, Radial and Standard rigs in the Laser invited to compete with sailors of all levels of experience in a fun yet competitive event format.

Each regatta comprises five short races of 20-30 minutes in duration with separate prize categories across the different rigs, genders and ages. There is particular emphasis from the race committee on ensuring a fast-paced and fun event for competitors of all ages and abilities. Novice sailors are most welcome as this provides a unique format to be involved in racing at the highest level across the Irish fleet.

"Over 100 Lasers in the Royal St. George YC across all ages"

Speaking at the announcement of the series, Royal St. George YC Laser class captain, Brendan Hughes said, “We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Grant Thornton ILCA Sprint Regatta series and are very grateful to our sponsors for making this possible. The purpose behind the series is to provide a format for more sailors to have an opportunity to experience racing in a Laser, in a relaxed yet competitive environment. We now have over 100 Lasers in the Royal St. George YC across all ages and we’re eager to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to have fun on the water.”

Royal St. George YC Laser class captain, Brendan Hughes
Mick Shelley of Grant Thornton Ireland is himself a Laser sailor and he said that; “Sailing and in particular Laser sailing is a great sport for both male and female, young and old to be involved in. The modest cost of the Laser dinghy has meant that sailing has become accessible to many people and Grant Thornton Ireland are proud to be associated with this series.”

Despite a big effort to complete a full schedule of races completed at the AIB Irish Laser Championships at Royal Cork, only very light winds meant no races were held yesterday bringing to two of four days of racing lost due to too much wind or lack of it in Cork Harbour.

After eight races sailed, locals won two of three divisions in the 99-boat fleet.

Cork Harbour's Nick Walsh topped a 14-boat standard fleet with a 12-point lead over clubmate Edward Rice and Robert Howe of Monkstown Bay third.

RCYC's Jonathan O'Shaughnessy won the 49-boat Radial division. Second was Harry Pritchard and third Elle Cunnane, both from Royal Cork.

A 35-boat 4/7 fleet was led from start to finish by Howth Yacht Club's Rocco Wright with an 11 point margin from Royal Cork's Oisin MacSweeney. Wright's clubmate Luke Turvey was third.

Full photo gallery of prizewinners below by Bob Bateman

Overall results are here

Rocco Wright, Winner of the 4.7 division receives his prize from Admiral Colin Morehead RCYC. Picture Robert Bateman

Oisin MacSweeney 4.7 runner up

Luke Turvey third in the 4.7 division

Jonathan O'Shaughnessy winner of the Radial fleet

Harry Pritchard, second in the Radial 

Elle Cunnane TBSC/RCYC 1st Lady and 3rd in the Radials overall

A happy Moment. Nick Walsh winner Standard rig with his Father, yachtsman Bill Walsh with Admiral Colin Morehead

Ed Rice, runner up in the standard rig division

Robert Howe, third in the Standard Rig

Dorothy Matthews, First local girl

Irish Laser Championships Prizegiving Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

Friday's fleet leaders continue at the top in two of three divisions of the AIB sponsored Laser National Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club, going into the final day of competition in Cork Harbour.

After eight races sailed, 99 boats compete across the three fleets at Crosshaven, with locals leading two divisions.

Eleven Races under London Olympic Race Officer Jack Roy were scheduled, with the final races sailed this Sunday.

Cork Harbour's Nick Walsh leads a 14-boat standard fleet with a 12-point lead over clubmate Edward Rice. Monkstown Bay's Robert Howe is third.

The host club has a grip on the biggest fleet of the championships, with RCYC youths filling the top three places in the Radial class. However, two UFD penalties have ruined one-time leader Michael Crosbie's perfect scoresheet with clubmate Jonathan O'Shaughnessy now on top of the 49 boat division.

Nick Walsh has a 12 point lead in the standard division Photo: Bob Bateman

After some intense competition at Dun Laoghaire Harbour during last week's 4.7 Youth World Championships on Dublin Bay, a 35-boat fleet is back on the water again, and it continues to be led by Howth Yacht Club's Rocco Wright now with an 11 point margin from Royal Cork's Oisin MacSweeney. Wright's clubmate Luke Turvey stays third.

Racing continues at Royal Cork this morning and conditions are expected to be light with winds under ten knots from the south.

Overall results are here

27 knots of wind on day two of the AIB Laser Nationals at Royal Cork Yacht Club led to the abandonment of racing in all three fleets yesterday.

The combined 99-boat fleet is, however, preparing to go afloat this morning in lighter winds for day three of the Cork Harbour Championships with a scheduled launch time of 0930.

As Afloat reported previously, fleet leaders hold perfect scores after day one's four races of the championships.

The Race Committee has advised competitors it will be enforcing the 7-metre painter rule that must be carried by all competing boats.

The day three launch sequence in Crosshaven is Standards first, Radials second and 4.7s third to launch.

Leaders have made perfect starts to the AIB sponsored Laser National Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club recording four straight wins in all three divisions.

99 boats are competing across the three fleets at Crosshaven in Cork Harbour with locals leading two divisions.

Due to the pandemic, no national championship event was sailed in 2020, with the last nationals being sailed in 2019 in Ballyholme in Northern Ireland.

Eleven Races under London Olympic Race Officer Jack Roy are scheduled. Races 4, 5 and 6 today (Friday) and Saturday Races 7, 8 and 9. Two final races are scheduled on Sunday 22. 

Southerly winds gusting to 30 knots are due later today (with a two-hour postponement already in place this Friday morning) with winds forecast to moderate for both Saturday and Sunday.

If conditions improve on Friday, the plan is to try and get two races in at White Bay just inside Roches Point.

Walsh leads Standard Rigs

Cork Harbour local Nick Walsh leads a 14-boat standard fleet. Royal St. George's Finn Walker from Dun Laoghaire is second on 13 points with another Cork Harbour sailor, Robert Howe in third place a point behind on 14. 

Nick Walsh in the lead in the standard rig Photo: Bob Bateman

Crosbie on form in Radial

The host club has a grip on the biggest fleet of the championships with RCYC youths filling the top three places in the Radial class. Michael Crosbie leads on four points from Jonathan O'Shaughnessy on 11 points. Third is Harry Pritchard on 16.

Michael Crosbie leads the Radials Photo: Bob Bateman

Wright at top of 4.7s

After some intense competition at Dun Laoghaire Harbour during last week's 4.7 Youth World Championships on Dublin Bay, a 35-boat fleet is back on the water again and led by Howth Yacht Club's Rocco Wright on 4 points from Royal Cork's Oisin Mac Sweeney on nine.  Wright's clubmate Luke Turvey is third on 11.0

Howth Yacht Club's Rocco Wright Photo: Bob Bateman

Racing continues at Royal Cork today

Overall results are here

RCYC Laser Nationals Day One Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman