Cork Harbour is set to welcome back the Irish 420 National Championships after a long hiatus. The prestigious event was last hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club in 2010, drawing a strong attendance from sailing enthusiasts.

The event, scheduled to take place over three days at Crosshaven from August 16th to August 18th, will see the new national champions crowned.

2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the International 420 class and in a bid to commemorate this significant milestone, the Irish 420 Association has extended invitations to teams from France and the UK. The participation of teams from these countries, particularly the birthplace of the 420s - France, promises to give the event a truly international celebration.

In a further development, three new prizes are set to be introduced this year, thanks to the generous support of the Crosbie family. These accolades aim to recognise excellence and sportsmanship within the realm of double-handed 420 sailing. Notably, the Chuckawalla Trophy will be presented based on a points system to the most consistent 420 pairing of the 23-24 season, while the new top 420 Club Plate will acknowledge the "best" 420 Club. Additionally, an incentive to encourage younger sailors to transition to 420 at an early age will see the introduction of a prize for the top-placed U15 pairing at Nationals for the first time.

Anticipation is running high for fiercely contested racing across the fleet, with the event drawing participants from various corners of Ireland and potentially from the UK and Europe. Already, an impressive fleet of 25 420s from Ireland and the UK are confirmed to take part.

Furthermore, the event is set to be held in conjunction with the 29er and Fireball nationals, earning it the moniker 'Tri-nationals'. The convergence of these prestigious events is anticipated to create an unforgettable spectacle for sailors and spectators alike.