In a dramatic start to today's J109 National Championships at Howth Yacht Club, defending champions, Storm, hit the pin end of the starting line in the first race.
The error meant the Pat Kelly team was in an untypically low place in the 11-boat fleet at the first weather mark on home waters.
Testing conditions put boat handling at a premium in a north-westerly wind of 15–knots and choppy seas just south of Lambay Island.
The Kelly's were quick to recover downwind on the right-hand side of the next run, however. They then worked the left-hand side of the second windward leg to be back into third place by the final beat and keep themselves in contention for a hat-trick victory.
On the water, the race was won by Royal Irish Yacht Club sailor Andrew Algeo in Juggerknot with club mates Andrew Craig in Chimaera second but official results are awaited.
Two more races are scheduled today and a further three races in forecasted stronger breezes tomorrow.
First on the water - Juggerknot (Andrew Algeo) in top form at the J109 Nationals Photo: Afloat.ie
