The recent J24 Southern Championships in Wicklow showcased the class's increasing competitiveness, with both seasoned champions and emerging talents putting on impressive performances.
Headcase, the European champions, secured first place in the Gold Fleet with a total score of eight points, displaying their dominance across the six races.
The battle for second place was intense, with Jupiter from Wicklow Sailing Club narrowly edging out the National Champions Hard on Port from Bray Sailing Club. Notably, the two-time World Championship-winning boat Blind Squirrel, now representing Sligo Yacht Club, added a new dimension of competition within the fleet.
In the Silver Fleet, Snoopy, skippered by Martin Mahon and manned by the ICRA National Champions Team Snoopy, clinched first place, showcasing their adaptability in a transition from their Quarter Tonner.
Additionally, Howth’s U25 Team K25 Kilcullen and Wicklow’s own U25 team Jade made significant impacts, securing second and 12th place, respectively, and highlighting the emerging talent in the fleet.
Race officer Derek Bothwell and his team successfully organised four races on Saturday and two on Sunday.
The Southerns have set a promising tone for the Irish J24 fleet as they prepare for the National Championships in Lough Erne.
2024 J24 Southern Championships results at Wicklow
