Navigating November weather can be a stern test for regional championship events, yet the 420 dinghy fleet returned to Lough Ree Yacht Club on Ireland's inland waters for the second consecutive weekend, where they were met with ideal 420 sailing conditions. With fifteen boats competing in what was traditionally a poorly attended end-of-season event, the 420 fleet is showing a resurgence of interest.

Lough Ree also hosted the 420 fleet over the previous bank holiday week for their annual late autumn three-day intensive training camp meticulously overseen by Graeme Grant and supported by Cara McDowell and a team of experienced 420 coaches. The forty-two participating sailors had the opportunity to perfect their processes and chart a winter training and boat work plan with the coaches.

During the intervening week, the initial weather forecast was ominous, but thankfully, Lough Ree was spared Storm Ciaran. As the sailors gathered on Saturday morning, they were met with a direct north wind and waves coursing down Lough Ree. These conditions led to competitive races and a fair share of capsizes for the silver fleet in the squalls. Race officer Garrett Leech organised three races on an Olympic triangle course, with Cora McNaughton (BSC) and Sean Cronin (MYC) leading with two race wins over Sean Lemonnier and Killian Mathieu (GBSC) at the end of racing on Saturday.

Sunday brought steadier winds, calmer waters, sunshine, and showers. After three more races, the Waterford Harbour duo of Max Sweetman and Fionn Lynch moved from third place overnight, taking three bullets to win Gold Fleet and the new Ulster Bowl Trophy. Cora McNaughton (Blessington Sailing Club) and Sean Cronin (Malahide Yacht Club) took second place, and Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu (Galway Bay Sailing Club) finished third.

Max Sweetman and Fionn Lynch were the Gold Fleet winners of the 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club 

Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin were second in Gold Fleet at the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club

Sean Lemonnier and Killian Mathieu of Galway Bay Sailing Club were third in Gold Fleet at the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club

The Silver Fleet category was a hotly contested affair between the eleven boats and the new Royal Cork YC pairing of Isha Duggan and Tommy Hiras, holding off Galway Bay SC Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave by two points overnight but pulling clear on Sunday with two fourths to take the Silver Fleet Bowl. Kinsale YC / Royal Cork YCs Caoimhe Corkery and Lucy Moynan were second, and Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave took the third spot.

Isha Duggan and Tommy Hiras of Royal Cork were winners of the silver fleet of the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club 

Caoimhe Corkery and Lucy Moynan of KYC/RCYC were second in the silver fleet of the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club  

Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrove of GBSC were third in the silver fleet of the 2023 420 Ulster Championships held at Lough Ree Yacht Club 

"Lough Ree Yacht Club were superb hosts, sincere thanks to the volunteers on and off the water: said 420 President Martina Whyte.

It was great to witness an influx of new sailors joining the fleet, and coaching and racing are underway for all 420 regions throughout the country for the winter season. To echo the words of Seamus Heaney, “If we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere.” Exciting times for the 420 fleet in the season ahead, she added.

The next event on the 420 Calendar is the Munster Championships, with training at Kinsale Yacht Club during the February mid-term school holiday.

The 420 fleet will gather in Lough Ree Yacht Club this bank holiday weekend for the annual late autumn three-day intensive training camp under the watchful eye of Graeme Grant and supported by Cara McDowell and a team of experienced 420 coaches who are all ex 420 sailors themselves.

Lough Ree Yacht Club is a popular choice for this event, with teams travelling from Malahide, Waterford, Royal Cork, Kinsale, and three Galway clubs (Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil, Galway City, and Galway Bay Sailing Clubs) joining local Lough Ree sailors. The club offers great facilities and even camping options for those feeling adventurous at this time of year.

The sheltered lake setting will provide plenty of opportunities for sailors to stretch their skills, and the coaching team has designed a comprehensive training schedule to support sailors at all levels in developing their skills.

The coaches will be working with each team to help them implement a winter training plan to be match-ready for the Training week and Munster Championship in Kinsale in February 2024 and Youth Nationals later in the Spring.

Although intense, beyond the training, there's time for sailors and their parents to connect with those from other clubs and enjoy some off-water activities. There's even talk of watching the Rugby World Cup final, with friendly competition among New Zealand and South African sailors amongst the fleet adding to the banter.

The 420 Class Association organises the LRYC training weekend, and it is open training for all 420 sailors regardless of their level of experience in the boat. The main goal is to provide quality training to the sailors and support the 420 Class Coaches to learn new techniques to take back to their clubs.

'Ulster' Championship

After the training weekend, the 420 "Ulster" Championship takes place on the following weekend (November 4th and 5th), also at Lough Ree Yacht Club, reducing the environmental impact of moving boats around the country.

The 420 Class Association and the team at Lough Ree Yacht Club is excited to welcome as many sailors as possible to these two weekends of 420 action.

Waterford Harbour was the host of the 2023 International 420 National Championships alongside the Fireball National Championships. Despite weather predictions, eighteen competitive International 420 teams converged in Dunmore East, with several new pairings joining the ranks after a bustling summer season. The event was held from August 18 and 19, and the sailors had to overcome several challenges that included rough sea conditions and excessive wind speeds. 

Race Officer Michael Conway overcame the challenge of fast approaching weather system run off one windward leeward race while conditions allowed on Friday. Disturbed sea conditions and excessive windspeeds sent the fleet ashore after one race. The sailors were advised to lower their masts in preparation for an anticipated stormy evening. Boats were quickly secured – masts down, wheels off, and hulls firmly tied down. The decision to cancel Saturday's races due to persistent rough sea conditions was met with little surprise.

Sunday dawned with classic Dunmore East conditions, large rolling waves and 13-20 knot breeze in brilliant sunshine, elements that showcase the 420 boat speed and agility in wind and wave. Race Officer Michael Conway and his team charted an Olympic triangle course, leading to three intense races. 

Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin rebounded from an early setback – a black flag disqualification in the first race – to clinch the National title. Consistent sailing from Galway Bay Sailing Club's Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu earned them a solid second place, just two points shy of the leaders. Malahide duo, Kate Campion and Amalie Soffee, secured the third spot and claimed the Lyttle Trophy as the top female pairing for the third year in a row.

Second in the 2023 International 420 National Championships Gold Fleet were Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu from Galway Bay Sailing Club

Kate Campion and Amalie Soffee, Third in Gold Fleet and the top female pairing at the 2023 International 420 National Championships

In the Silver Fleet category, local duo Christopher Plant and Max Passberger secured first place. Pierce and Phelim Hanley from Kinsale Yacht Club claimed second place, while Isabelle Passberger and Sarah Clooney took home the third spot. Cora McNaughton will now represent the 420 Class at the upcoming Irish Sailing Junior Champions' Cup 2023 scheduled for late September in Schull.

First in Silver fleet at the 420 National Championships were Christopher Plant and Max Passberger Waterford Harbour Sailing Club

Second in Silver fleet at the 420 National Championships were Pierce and Phelim Hanley from Kinsale Yacht Club

Third in Silver fleet at the 420 National Championships were Isabelle Passberger and Sarah Clooney, Waterford Harbour Sailing Club

Race Organiser Mark Kettle, 420 Organisers Fiona Passberger and Ceara Sweetman, staff, and volunteers were appreciated for their tireless efforts in organizing an outstanding event both on and off the water. The 420 Class extends its appreciation to the Waterford Harbour Sailing Club and the local community for their unprecedented support and provision of a safe haven for sailors and their families when initial camping plans were disrupted by adverse conditions. 

The next event on the 420 Calendar will be the Ulster Championships and Mid-term training during the October Bank and Mid-term holiday.

The 2023 International 420 National Championships was a success, with the sailors showcasing their talents despite the challenges.

The picturesque waters of Lough Derg came alive as Killaloe Sailing Club hosted the inaugural joint event of the 420 Leinster Championships and the Fireball Munsters. The weekend proved to be a resounding success, with fourteen 420s and fifteen Fireballs taking to the water. This Lough Derg venue also proved a lovely introduction for the new young 420 sailors to experience their first regatta, and the camaraderie and support among the participants created an encouraging and inspiring atmosphere throughout the event.

Overcoming a less-than-ideal forecast of light airs and rain, race officer Liam Maloney displayed expertise and perseverance, delivering one race on Saturday in a fickle breeze using an Olympic triangle course. Sunday dawned again with a decent enough breeze, but when the competitors got to the starting area, that had vaporised. However, the sailors' patience was duly rewarded when a very decent northerly wind, between twelve to seventeen knots, set the stage for three thrilling and closely-contested races on a windward-leeward course.

Kate Campion and Amalie Soffee from Malahide Yacht Club claimed the gold, while Max Sweetman from Waterford Harbour Sailing Club and Roisin Mitchell Ward from Galway Bay Sailing Club secured a close second position. Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu, also from Galway Bay Sailing Club, secured the third spot.

Second in gold fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Roisin Mitchell Ward and Max Sweetman with John Callanan, Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club

Third in Gold fleet gold fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Killian Mathieu and Sean Lemmonier

Sarah Whyte from Lough Ree Yacht Club and Keelan Darby from Howth Yacht Club took home the honours in the Silver Fleet, while Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave, both from Galway Bay Sailing Club, narrowly missed out on countback, in second. Charlie Donald and James Harvey of Cumann Seoltoireachta an Spideal claimed the third.

First in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Keelan Darby (HYC) and Sarah Whyte (LRYC)

Second in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Eoin Morrin and Owen Cosgrave both GBSC 

Third in Silver fleet at the 420 Leinster Championships were Charlie Donald and James Harvey of Cumann Seoltoireachta an Spideal

The hospitality of John Callanan, Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club, and the dedicated team of volunteers was second to none. Their warm welcome, hospitality and excellent facilities not only catered to the needs of the sailors but also accommodated a plethora of tents and camper vans, adding a delightful social aspect to the weekend.

The upcoming 420 National Championship at Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, scheduled for 18th to 20th August, promises more excitement as it welcomes the 420 fleet and the Fireball fleet again.

An inaugural joint event will see the Fireball Munster Championship and International 420 Leinster Championships 2023 come together on the waters of lower Lough Derg.

Over 30 double-handed performance dinghies, including Fireballs and International 420s, are expected from July 22 to 23.

Jim Ryan, the Commodore of Killaloe Sailing Club, emphasised the significance of this occasion, saying, "We're excited to witness the Fireball and 420 fleets together on the same waters and warmly welcome sailors to this scenic part of Co Clare for a great weekend of sailing. Plenty of space for camping and motor homes which makes Killaloe sailing club a low-cost venue for regattas. Wishing everyone all the best of luck on the water.”

Fireball Class Association chairman Neil Cramer warmly welcomed the joint hosting event by Killaloe SC in its new club premises on Lough Derg. "This is a perfect match of classes, representing a win-win for all involved. For clubs it makes perfect sense to host compatible classes together for logistical and economic reasons and is the way forward for sustainable regattas in Ireland. Fireballers are delighted once again to visit Killaloe SC for their penultimate regional event of the year and of particular interest this weekend is the large crop of younger sailors competing in Fireballs."

"Plenty of space for camping and motor homes which makes Killaloe sailing club a low-cost venue for regattas"

The 420 class has been a stepping stone for many young sailors, with several transitioning to compete in the Fireball category during their college years and beyond. Notably, Cara McDowell, Daniel Thompson, Henry Thompson and Hugo Mika, all 420 class coaches, will be participating in the Fireball races this weekend, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the two classes.

The 420 class - a stepping stone for the Fireballs

Martina Whyte, the President of the Irish 420 Association, expressed her gratitude towards Killaloe Sailing Club and Race Officer Liam Maloney (LDYC) for hosting this event. She shared her excitement, looking forward to thrilling tactical racing and the opportunity to renew sailing acquaintances with their Fireball counterparts. Alongside the sailors familiar with the Shannon waters from Lough Ree Yacht Club, a fleet of sailors from 420 strongholds in Galway, Spiddal, Malahide, Kinsale, and Waterford are expected to compete. This event also serves as a warm-up for the upcoming 420 and Fireball National Championships, again to be jointly hosted in Waterford Harbour, scheduled for August.

The regatta will kick off on Saturday, July 22, with the first gun firing just after noon. Commodore Jim Ryan extended a warm invitation to all sailing enthusiasts and spectators to come and watch the racing.

In “champagne” sailing conditions, Max Sweetman of Waterford Harbour SC and Roisin Mitchell Ward of Galway Bay SC (GBSC) took gold at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway, over the weekend.

Sweetman and Mitchell Ward will be competing in the Junior European 420 Championships in Poland, taking their skills honed in the Atlantic to the Baltic Sea.

Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu, both of GBSC, came second in the gold fleet, followed by club mates Robert Donnelly and Ella Wilkinson in third place.

Ava McCarthy and James Malone, both of Galway City SC, were first in the silver fleet, while Sarah Whyte (Lough Ree YC) and Amelia O’Donnell (Malahide YC) were second in silver.

Arthur Kelly and Malachy Kinsella, both GBSC, took third in the silver fleet.

Charlie Donald and James Harvey of host club, Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil (CSS), were just a discard score away from a gong in the silver fleet.

The fleet of 12 entrants initially launched in challenging south-westerly winds off the beach at An Spidéil's Sean Céibh on Saturday, but the wind went westerly and provided for ideal racing over the two days.

Seven races in all were run by race officer Stephen O’Gorman, assisted by Mark White.

Gordon Davies, also on the committee boat, ran an off-water tuition session on sailing etiquette, rules of racing and how to behave in the protest room.

It was followed by a highly successful barbeque hosted by club commodore Eoin Ó Conghaíle, Collette Ó Conghaíle and a CSS club team, with music by Sadhbh Laila Riggott and Kate Ó Conghaíle.

CSS sailors Kate O Conghaile and Sadhbh Laila Riggott providing music at the 420 Connacht Championship barbeque

Race marks were provided by Tiernan O’Brien and liquid support for the barbeque was provided by An Spidéil’s Park Hotel.

Irish 420 Association president Martina Whyte expressed delight at the running of the regatta by a CSS shore and on-water team.

She paid tribute to all the sailors on “great close racing and sportsmanship on and off the water”.

She also paid tribute to CSS for “hosting a fantastic event, champagne sailing and superb hospitality” and thanked Gordon Davies for “generously sharing his vast knowledge and experience on and off water”.

420 Class Silver Fleet Connacht Sailing Championships - Top Three

3rd in the silver fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway, were Arthur Kelly (GBSC) and Malachy Kinsella (GBSC) with CSS commodore Eoin Ó Conghaíle who presented the prizes to the top crews in the gold and silver fleets (above and below)

2nd in the silver fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway were Sarah Whyte (LRYC) and Amelia O Donnell (MYC)

1st in the silver fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway were Ava McCarthy (GCSC) and James Malone (GCSC)

420 Class Gold Fleet Connacht Sailing Championships - Top Three

3rd in the Gold fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway, were Robert Donnelly (GBSC) and Ella Wilkinson (GBSC)

2nd in the Gold fleet at the 420 class Connacht sailing championships off An Spidéal, Co Galway were Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu, both of GBSC

1st in the gold fleet and 420 Connaught Champions off An Spidéal, Co Galway were Max Sweetman (WHSC) and Roisin Mitchell Ward (GBSC)

A fleet of 420 dinghies will take to north Galway Bay off An Spidéal for the Connacht sailing championships this weekend (June 24/25).

The 420 dinghy is an open double-handed class, and many of the sailors are teenagers who then progress in other classes and up to Olympic level of competition.

Hosting the two-day event is Cumann Seoltóireachta an Spidéil (CSS), the local sailing club.

Irish 420 Association president Martina Whyte says that the class is “delighted to be invited back to (CSS), one of the oldest 420 specialist sailing clubs in the country and following in
the tradition of 420s along the west coast of Ireland”.

“Our last visit was in 2017, and our sailors are delighted to be returning to the west coast,” Whyte says.

The event “provides a unique opportunity for our young sailors to experience the Atlantic waves and, of course, the famous post-sailing BBQ”.

She says that the 420 class “teaches sailors how to sail in an environment of partnership which is a significant element in their development as a sailor (and as a person)”.

The 420 class association provides a series of annual domestic competitions and open-class coaching to encourage sailors to develop their skills.

In conjunction with the racing at An Spidéíl, Gordon Davies will give a talk on sailing etiquette, rules of racing and how to behave in the protest room.

“One of the aims of the class is to promote a high standard of sailing and racing whilst upholding fair and sportsmanlike conduct both on and off the water. We are looking forward to his words of wisdom,” Whyte says.

The local fleet 420s will be out in force and augmented by a travelling fleet from the other Connacht clubs, Galway Bay Sailing, Galway City Sailing Club and Lough Ree Yacht Club.

Whyte says that boats from Malahide Yacht Club and Waterford Harbour Sailing Club have also entered, so the event will truly be a national affair. She has paid tribute to race officer Stephen O’Gorman and the CSS team for hosting the event.

CSS commodore Eoin Ó Conghaíle said the club is “very excited to host the 420 Connacht Championships, kicking off just after 11 am on Saturday, June 24”.

“It should be a wonderful spectacle on the waters off An Spidéil pier, and all are welcome to come and watch and support the sailors”, Ó Conghaíle said.

A Dublin-Wexford partnership won the 420 dinghy Investwise Irish Youth Sailing National Championships at Howth Yacht Club on Sunday.

The double-handed duo of Jack McDowell (Malahide YC) and Henry Thompson (Wexford Harbour Boat and Tennis Club) won by four points from Cora McNaughton (Blessington SC) and Sean Cronin (Malahide YC) on 22. 

Ten races were sailed since Thursday across a range of conditions that concluded on Sunday in light winds.

Third place in the ten-boat fleet was taken by Max Sweetman (Waterford Harbour SC) and Roisin Mitchell Ward (Galway Bay SC) on 24 points.

Results are below

Waterford Harbour Sailing Club's Max Sweetman and Roisin Mitchell-Ward dominated a 12-boat 420 dinghy Munster Championship fleet at Kinsale Yacht Club. 

After six races sailed and one discard, the Dunmore East duo won four races to win by 15 points. Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu from Galway Bay were second on 24 points.

Blessington Lakes pair Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin took third overall.

The two-day championships were preceded by a class Spring Training Week at Kinsale, as Afloat reports here.  See day one photo gallery here

Waterford Harbour Sailing Club's Max Sweetman and Roisin Mitchell-Ward lead a 12-boat 420 dinghy fleet competing for Munster Championship honours at Kinsale Yacht Club. 

After four races sailed on the opening day and one discard, the Dunmore East duo are two points clear of Blessington Lakes' Cora McNaughton and Sean Cronin on five points.

Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu from Galway Bay hold third place. 

Faced with an unpromising weekend weather forecast, Race Officer John Stallard PRO successfully staged four races to complete the minimum number of races to constitute a championship.

A mist gave way to  watery sunshine on the opening day of the 420 Munster Championships at Kinsale Yacht Club Photo: Bob Bateman

Stallard set short start lines and made use of the U flag when required in order to get the 12-boat fleet away. 

The two-day championships were preceded by a class Spring Training Week at Kinsale, as Afloat reports here

420 Munster Championship at Kinsale Yacht Club Photo Gallery By Bob Bateman