McDonald is Favourite for Windy 1720 Nationals in Baltimore But Murphy's Late Entry Maybe a Dark Horse

13th June 2024

Afloat.ie Team

1720 European Champion Ross McDonald sailing Atara starts as favourite at the 1720 National Championships in Baltimore on Friday Credit: Bob Bateman

A 22-boat entry does not include defending champion Dave Kenefick for Friday's 1720 National Championships at Baltimore Sailing Club, and at least one late entry in West Cork is expected to have some Olympic firepower onboard for the three-day event.

Strong westerly winds are expected to get the nine-race championships off to a swift start, and with forecasted winds gusting to over 30 knots for both Friday and Saturday, boat handling skills will be at a premium in the sportsboat class.

Howth Yacht Club has a single entry in the form of reigning European champion Ross McDonald's Atara, who must be considered the form boat after his win at the three-race Dun Laoghaire Cup at the Royal Irish Yacht Club a month ago.

Almost half of the fleet are locals, with nine Baltimore entries likely led by former Finn dinghy campaigner Fionn Lyden, a regular podium finisher in the class in Spiced Beef, who will make the most of a home waters advantage.

Other south coast entries come from Waterford Harbour, Kinsale, and Royal Cork Yacht Club.

The Durcan family's T bone will compete in the 2024 1720 National Championships at Baltimore Sailing Club Photo: Bob Bateman

Dublin Bay's Royal Irish Yacht Club has two entries, including Davie Ryan's Big Bad Wolf, who took second at the Dun Laoghaire Cup.

Other Dubliners in West Cork are also in the mix, such as 1720 class president Malahide's Robert Dix, who has opted to sail under the Baltimore burgee this weekend.

In addition to Kenefick, multiple champion Robert O'Leary (with his former boat Dutch Gold entered under Kinsale skipper Michael O'Sullivan) is also absent this weekend. Waterford Harbour's Julian Hughes, second at the 2023 Europeans, is also absent due to work commitments.

Not yet appearing on the weekend entry list, but expected is Waterford Harbour's Tom Murphy, who comes with double Olympian Peter O'Leary. Mark and Dave Hassett, Murphy's son Ethan, and Cliodhna Connolly are also onboard.

1720 National Championships entry list (at May 28th)

1720 National Championships entry list at May 28th

Published in 1720, West Cork

Published in 1720

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1720

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