Irish 420 Sailors Compete at UK National Championships

3rd September 2024

Betty Armstrong

Irish 420 pairing Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin Credit: Jon Cawthorne

Two Irish crews were among the 41 entries for the UK 420 National Championships at Dale Yacht Club in southwest Wales. Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin from Blessington SC and Malahide SC, and Daniel Copthorne and Matt Mapplebeck from Schull and Royal Cork. For the latter Under 17 duo, this was their first overseas event in the 420. Cora's family has a strong connection to Strangford Lough Yacht Club in Co Down.

Irish 420 duo Daniel Copthorne and Matt Mapplebeck Photo: Jon Cawthorne

McNaughton and Cronin put in a credible performance, finishing just out of the top ten at 11th overall and counting an 8th. They took the third slot at the Irish Nationals at Crosshaven in mid-August. Daniel Copthorne and Matt Mapplebeck were 29th, achieving 23rd as their best result. They were 7th in the Crosshaven event.

Most of the nine races were raced in challenging 25 knots of wind with one respite day in which the breeze was 15 knots.

This event was said to be impressive with the way it was organised, likened to a well-oiled machine with prompt, clear communications to the participants and it is hoped that more 420s will cross the Irish Sea in both directions to compete.

Irish 420 sailors in Wales (from left to right) Sean Cronin, Malahide Yacht Club, Cora McNaughton Blessington Sailing Club, Daniel Copithorne Schull Sailing Club, Matt Mapplebeck Royal Cork Yacht Club Photo: Tom Mapplebeck

Race Results

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Published in 420, Northern Ireland Waters

Published in 420

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About The Author

Betty Armstrong

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Betty Armstrong is Afloat and Yachting Life's Northern Ireland Correspondent. Betty grew up racing dinghies but now sails a more sedate Dehler 36 around County Down

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At A Glance – 420 Dinghy Specifications

Crew 2
Type Monohull
Design One-Design
Construction GRP
Rig Bermuda
Keel Centerboard
Trapeze Single
LOA 4.2 metres (13 ft 9 in)
Beam 1.63 metres (5 ft 4 in)
Draft 0.965 metres (3 ft 2.0 in)
Hull weight 80 kilograms (180 lb)
Mast height 6.26 metres (20 ft 6 in)
Main & Jib area 10.25 square metres (110.3 sq ft) [1]
Mainsail area 7.45 square metres (80.2 sq ft)
Jib / Genoa area 2.8 square metres (30 sq ft)
Spinnaker area 8.83 square metres (95.0 sq ft)