National Yacht Club's Gorman and Doorly are Flying Fifteen Front Runners at Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

5th July 2023

David Gorman and Chris Doorly are 'defending champions' in the Flying Fifteen class at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta

David Gorman (right) and Chris Doorly are 'defending champions' in the Flying Fifteen class at the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta Credit: Afloat

The Flying Fifteen fleet for the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta boasts a 22-boat entry with two visitors from Dunmore East and all the Flying Fifteen club fleets in Dun Laoghaire represented.

The National Yacht Club takes the lion’s share of representation, understandably as this is where the bulk of the DL fleet is situated, but four boats (from seven) hail from the Royal St George and the DMYC has a solitary representative, which translates to a 100% turnout for them.

“Defending Champions”, David Gorman and Chris Doorly, who took the majority of race wins in 2019, are back to defend their title. GivenVolvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta the projected robust winds, they must be considered one of the favourites on the podium. David (4099), with a selection of crews, currently dominates the DBSC Saturday Series thus far, proving that he has the form and speed to do well. Chris is no stranger to the front of the fleet and has enjoyed National success with David.

But who will join them as front-runners? There are a number of obvious selections, starting with Shane McCarthy (4085) crewed by Alan Green.

Shane is a very successful helm, holding the GP14 “Triple Crown” – World, British and Irish Titles at one stage and is also an accomplished Solo campaigner. Add to that Alan Green’s very substantial FF pedigree, and you have a very potent on-the-water combination.

FF pair - Ian Mathews and Keith Poole Photo: Afloat

Ian Mathews (4093) flies in and out for the major events of the year, and his week-to-week absence from Dublin Bay doesn’t seem to adversely affect a seamless transition into the boat and with long-term crew Keith Poole. They too must be considered as a combination who will be looking at a podium finish.

Next up must be one of the visiting combinations from Dunmore East, Lee Statham and Andy Paul (4070). They are always competitive and this showed at the Frostbites at the end of last season that Dublin Bay holds no surprises for them.

Given the projected weather conditions, there is the potential for some dark horses to emerge from the chasing pack, and one of those must be the most recent recruit to the fleet, Phil Lawton (3803) – an Irish Olympian.

Individual race podiums will be sought and shared by the likes of Neil Colin & Margaret Casey (4028), who lead the DBSC Thursday Series, Ken Dumpleton & Joe Hickey (3955), Alastair Court & Conor O’Leary (3753), Niall Meagher & Nicki Mathews (3938) and a brand new combination of Tom Galvin & Cormac Bradley (3757) might enjoy the breeze enough to get to the upper rungs of the ladder.

Published in Flying Fifteen, Volvo Regatta

Published in Flying Fifteen

Tagged under

Flying fifteen

About The Author

Cormac Bradley

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Dublin Bay Fireballer Cormac Bradley was appointed Rear Commodore of the International Fireball Class in 2017. He is a regular dinghy and one design correspondent on Afloat.ie

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