2023 delivered a great year for the Mirror dinghy class in Ireland (and abroad) with steady growth and a great world championship in Sligo. Since the completion of a very fun and successful Easterns in Blessington in September, a group of enthusiastic parents and sailors linked up, led by Lough Derg David Maher, to actively prepare 2024, modernise the running of the class and continue the healthy resurgence of this great little dinghy.
The 1963 design has gone a long way to modernise itself with the current fibreglass units racing with a Bermuda rig now being the norm at the front of the fleet, yet allowing older boats, often wooden and amateur-built, to compete either with the Bermuda rig or for the purists, the good old gaff rig.
The Mirror is arguably the most inclusive class out here, with kids (sometimes as young as 6 or 7 years old just introduced to our great sport), teenagers and adults of different sizes and skills enjoying the thrills of competition within their means and skills, from kids on their first steps in racing boats to ex-Olympians.
Junior sailors get ready for the Eastern Mirror Championships 2023 at Blessington Sailing Club
2023 launched the rebirth of the class
The first event of the season was set in the wild west, with Galway Bay hosting the Westerns. The ten boats who made the journey enjoyed various conditions, from a 2-3 kts drifter to a fast and furious 20kts in big waves. The event was won by gaff rigged "Renaissance" father and son team Chaix (TBSC/NYC).
The second event went to Lough Ree YC, a traditionally strong Mirror club. Sligo Youth sailors Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber had a strong event, winning the Northerns.
After winning at home, both teams decided to test their skills at the UK nationals Brightlingsea Sailing Club (south East of England). With 48 boats competing, including an ex-Olympian and former world champion, it posed challenges in tidal waters. Team Chaix just about missed the top 10 (11th) but were a comfortable first Classic boat. In 24th overall, Jessica and Myrtle topped the youth rankings.
Jessica and Myrtle reaching in their Mirror dinghy
Back home, the southern championships in Mullingar delivered great racing again with a growing fleet of 14 boats. Jessica and Myrtle were once more champions with a clean sweep of 6 race wins.
And the fleet gathered to Sligo for the nationals which was also the lead up to the worlds. The weather did not play ball, and the event was completed after one day of fierce racing between seasoned sailors and a few talented newcomers. 21 Irish entries and a further ten foreign visitors competed. If the top 3 overall positions went to visitors, The battle for the Irish title was close between 3 local boats, eventually going to David Evans and Andrew Ryan (sligo YC).
The Worlds saw 52 entries from 5 nations (AUS, RSA, GBR, IRL and JAP). The GBR team dominated the proceedings, and with 18 Winder boats in the top 20, the generally older boats Irish fleet found it challenging to mix near the front yet enjoyed some great battles on the race course, picking many of the minor trophies.
Team Ireland - the green wave at the Mirror Worlds opening ceremony in Sligo
Thomas and Ben Chaix had a strong series with many top 10 but settled in 12th overall as top host country sailors and recipient of the first classic boat trophy. David Evans and Andrew Ryan completed their challenge in 15th and top youth team and Jessica Greer and Myrtle Bamber secured the top ladies trophy in 17th.
Team Chaix (Tom and Ben) winning the classic trophy at the Mirror worlds in Sligo
And there was one event left! Blessington hosted the Easterns. A few boats arrived a few days early to complete a bit of training under the guidance of Thomas Chaix. The event saw a great, fun atmosphere for all 20 boats competing.
After six races, a new team ( the 4th one for 2023) secured the title. Father and daughter team Owen led the way on both Saturday and Sunday.
It certainly was a great season. Dont missout on the next one, it is said it will be even better with great events, great after sailing for both kids and adults and good racing at all levels.
2024 : the Home based season diary
29/30 April
Easterns at Blessington SC
25/26 May
Southerns at Lough Derg YC
22/23 June
Westerns at Mullingar SC
19/20/21 July
Nationals at Lough Ree YC (part of the Double Ree event)
3/4 August TBC
Northerns yet to be confirmed
23/24/25 August
End of Season at Blessington SC (the 23rd is a training day)
And abroad....
Abersoch Mirror week
10-16 August
UK Mirror Nationals, Itchenor SC,
22 - 25 August
