Kinsale Yacht Club honoured its Under 25 team and presented them with awards for their achievement to mark the success of the club’s project which, through the support of members, bought a J24, which they named Kinsailor and sailed successfully during the past season.
At the J24 National Championships raced in Foynes YC, they won the Under 25 section, took the silver prize for second overall and finished eighth of the 20 boats racing that included top sailors in the Class. At the J/24 Europeans 2022 sailed out of Howth Yacht Club, they finished third, taking the bronze prize. Micheal O Suilleabháin who was a team leader was named Afloat Sailor of the Month (International Keelboats) for September and former Club Commodore.
Dave O’Sullivan, who led the development of the Under 25 team, was chosen as KYC Club Member of the Year.
(From L to R) Francesca Lewis, Leslie Collins, Dorothy Matthews, Emer Heery and Rachel Akerlind Photo: Bob Bateman
Altogether a very successful project, and there is more to come, O’Sullivan told the gathering to honour the Under 25s.
Next season Kinsailor will race in the club’s premier event, the Sovereigns Cup, next June and the team have eyes on international competition, as Dave O’Sullivan told me. He paid tribute to ICRA for their guidance in developing Under 25 racing and said there is now so much support, the club could crew two boats, though it will be staying with one, at least for the immediate future!
Listen to an interview with Dave O’Sullivan at the Kinsale function below
