Sunshine and wind were at the ‘rendezvous’ for the JW Accountants Topper Southerns at the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire on the weekend of 22-23 June, as Thomas Chaix reports.
Race officer Con Murphy delivered a full series of six races for the 36 sailors with the added excitement of the re-sail of the Topper Youth Nationals for U16 sailors U16.
Sligo ace and national squad member Leo Doherty was fast of the starting blocks and was never to be caught, scoring an incredible clean scoresheet of six race wins. It is a rare enough occurrence in such a competitive fleet and despite the efforts of the chasing pack, they could only battle for honours... and battles were had!
The re-sailed Youth Nationals podium (from left): Gemma Brady, Leo Doherty and James Gorman
The chasing pack was showing the depth of the NYC Topper group with Grace Keating taking second ahead of teammate James Gorman. Gemma Brady and Kate Kenny were not far behind.
Grace’s love for sailing started when she was seven years old and the proud little girl could put Annalise Murphy's Olympic medal around her neck. She never looked back from there, sailing her Optimist, Feva and now her Topper with her sights firmly set towards the ILCA 6.
In the second race of the day, Grace fell foul of an early start. It was a race for the stronger sailors with a solid sea breeze across Dublin Bay. Kate Kenny took second ahead of clubmate Gemma Brady.
Tight sailing at the starting line
Race officer Con Murphy took the time to show the start video to Grace and Lui Ivory (also UFD). Tough competition does not get in the way of learning from mistakes and it is great to see race officials taking the time to explain to our future champions how they can improve and minimise mistakes.
In the third race, the chase after the uncatchable Leo was led by Gemma who secured second ahead of club mate Rory Brennan-Hobbs. Kate Kenny edged out Matthew Holden (Ballyholme) for fourth.
In the 4.2 smaller rig, Lough Erne’s Adam Green had a strong 1-1-2 taking the lead from clubmate Ben McCaldin.
Day 2 welcomed the sailors with a somewhat lighter race to launch the day. Leo Doherty continued his domination, taking off towards the title. Gemma Brady scored yet another second to get a firm grip over her second place overall and the top lady trophy. Grace Keating put her Saturday setback aside to take third on the line.
Topper sails across Dublin Bay
The fifth race secured the title for Leo with a race to spare. Gemma was just behind once more securing second overall with a race to spare. Junior (U14) James Gorman was third ahead of Rory and Grace, meaning it was all to play for for third overall — and a bronze finish for the Youth Nationals. NYC sailors Kate, James, Grace, Rory and RStGYC’s Jack Ives were mathematically still in the battle.
The last did not disappoint and Kate Kenny’s second secured her the last spot on the podium. James Gorman was solid again in third, securing him fourth and the final spot on the Youth Nationals podium.
The 4.2 fleet saw no changes at the top with Adam Green securing the overall title with a 2-2-1 scoreline. With two race wins on the second day, Leo West Hurst from Ballyholme came back to second, overtaking Ben Caldin on countback.
Great breeze and sunshine made for a fantastic regatta. Next stop: Wexford for the Nationals next weekend (29-30 June).
The Winners:
Youth Nationals re-sail
Leo Doherty - Sligo YC
Gemma Brady - National YC/Lough Derg YC
James Gorman - National YC
Youth Boys
Leo Doherty - Sligo YC
Rory Brennan-Hobbs - National YC (6th)
Matthew Holden - Ballyholme YC (9th)
Youth Girls
Gemma Brady - National YC/Lough Derg YC (2nd)
Kate Kenny - National YC (3rd)
Grace Keating - National YC (5th)
Junior Boys
James Gorman - Nationals YC (4th)
Jack Ives - Royal St George YC (7th)
Paidi O’Choistealbha - Malahide YC (13th)
Junior Girls
Kate Doolan - Waterford Harbour SC (11th)
4.2 Rig
Adam Green - Lough Erne YC
Leo West Hurst - Ballyholme YC
Ben McCaldin - Lough Erne YC
