Olympic 470 campaigner Gerbil Owens will challenge for the GP14s dinghy national title this weekend in Skerries. It brings fresh competition for Sligo's Sailing team of Tim Corcoran and Brendan Brogan who are undefeated in this event for the past six years. Others taking part include
Curly Morris and Laura McFarland, third at the worlds in Sri Lanka back in Feburary.
Owens will be racing in his brand new GP14, the double Olympian won the most recent GP14 fixture, the Ulster Championships, in Newtownards.
Mike Senior, previously a GP national champion in England should also be in attendance as will Niall Henry and James Conlon of Sligo, finalists in last year's Irish Helmsmans Championships.
The Leinsters were held in Skerries last year and attracted a 40 boat entry the hope is for as much again and maybe more.
With a good local fleet, visitors from England and a strong core of travellers North and South the stage is set for a top championships.