Following on from last years successful event, the Irish 1720 Association has again decided to return to Baltimore for the 2009 National Championships from August 27th to the 29th.
The event this year will once again be sponsored by CH Marine who, through their outlets in Cork and Skibbereen continue to support the growing sailing environment in the Cork and West Cork Areas. With very strong Sailing Centres now in Glandore, Baltimore, Schull and Crookhaven, plus a revitalised club in Bantry, sailing in West Cork is a sport which continues to grow in popularity.
The 1720s have now established strong fleets in Baltimore and Schull where weekly racing takes place throughout the summer. The 2009 Nationals are expected to attract a fleet in excess of 20 boats in what can now be described as a definite revival in the class in recent years. This may well be fuelled by the cost of getting into the fleet, which is very economical, but more so by the fact that the boats provide exciting and top class racing within the local club structures and have the ability to attract young sailors.
The Nationals will run from Thursday 27th August, with one race scheduled for 4pm, through to Saturday 29th August with three races each scheduled for the Friday and Saturday. A strong entry list is expected with noted sailors such as the O’Leary Family, Dave Burrows, Maurice Prof. O’Connell, Tim Goodbody and Maria Coleman all due to compete, while boats are also due to travel from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales this year.
The series is being sailed between Cape Clear, Sherkin and the Calf Islands which is a spectacular venue for the event. David O’Brien, a past Admiral of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, will be Race Officer for the event and Baltimore Sailing Club are determined the social aspect of the event will be treated with equal importance.
