#ruffian – A Northern Ireland entry Carrageen skippered by Alec Kirkpatrick from Belfast lough won the Ruffian National Championships following a fine display in tricky conditions for the final day's two races of the event sailed from the Royal St. George Yacht Club. (Results sheet available for download below)

The Ruffian National Championships, hosted annually in Dublin Bay drew 22 boats from Dublin Bay, Skerries, Carrickfergus and Wicklow. Gareth Craig photographed the action over seven races. See photo gallery below.

Second overall was Dublin Bay class captain Alan Claffey sailing Diane with third overall going to another bay boat Ruff 'n' Ready (Ann Kirwan).

Skerries entry Red Fox was the silver fleet winner. The overalls are attached below for download as a jpeg file.

#ISA – The Irish Sailing Association (ISA) is convening an extraordinary general meeting to propose a revised membership fee structure next month.

The introduction of the 'joint membership scheme' in 1993 fundamentally changed the representative base of the Association and now the ISA say that because clubs have changed over the past 20 years there is 'a need to introduce a single fee formula that is proportionate to a club's membership subscription income'.

The brainchild of former president Roger Bannon, the original scheme underpinned the financial viability of the ISA by making every member of a sailing club also a member of the ISA.

The current ISA subscription rate is 10% of a member's club subscription subject to a minimum of €24 and maximum of €36. For most of the bigger clubs such as Dun Laoghaire's waterfront clubs, the Royal Cork, Kinsale and Howth the rate is €36.

The ISA takes subscriptions from 73 sailing and powerboat clubs in the country ranging in size from the smallest clubs with only a dozen members to the largest in Dun Laoghaire, the Royal St. George Yacht Club with 1,858 members according to the ISA CEO Harry Hermon.

The total number of club members affiliated to the ISA is estimated at over 21,000.

In 2010 income from club member subscriptions generated €320,843 for the ISA but in 2011 this had dropped to 286,087.

The EGM is scheduled for February 11th at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire.

#SAILING-Dublin Bay organisers have published detials of next year's 2012 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships that will be staged on the captial's waters, one of Dublin's biggest sporting events in 2012.

The Notice of Race for the 2012 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship, the 42nd version of the championship has been released.

Over 300 of the world's top youth sailors are expected to descend on Dublin Bay from 12-21 July 2012 and add their name to a list of winners that includes triple Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie (GBR), three-time America's Cup winner Russell Coutts (NZL) and four time Olympic gold medallist Alessandra Sensini (ITA).

After the 2011 ISAF Youth Worlds in Croatia, Brian Craig, Dublin Bay 2012 Chairman, said, "We're in good shape. There's been a lot of interest in it, both public and from the sailing community in Ireland. A group of about 50 have been working on this project for about four years now.

"This is the biggest yachting event ever to come to Ireland. We've had some big races but from the pure sports side this really is the biggest thing we've ever done.

"Ireland is really going to pull behind this event; there is no doubt about that."

A full interview with Brian Craig on the Dublin Bay 2012 build up is here.

The 2012 Youth Worlds will take place on Dublin Bay, based at Dun Laoghaire. Dun Laoghaire is a historic town on the outskirts of Dublin. The harbour, opening on to Dublin Bay is a large man made port dating back to the 19th century when it was built for a visit of Queen Victoria.

The horse-shoe shaped bay, open to the east and approximately six miles cross, allows for fair racing. The winds are predominantly driven by the North Atlantic weather systems passing over the country resulting in a prevailing south westerly breeze giving a range of sailing conditions. Dublin Bay is subject to tide and although the speed of the current is not excessive it is often of tactical importance. The size of the bay is capable of accommodating large fleets and multiple courses.

The Royal St George Yacht Club (RSGYC) will host the 2012 championship in association with its neighbouring clubs, the National Yacht Club (NYC) and the Royal Irish Yacht Club (RIYC).

Open to competitors aged under 19 in the year of the championship (i.e. for Ireland, under 19 on 31 December 2012) in the events and equipment listed below (all supplied), the Youth Worlds occupies a unique place in the sailing calendar. Simply getting to the championship is a major achievement for most as entry is limited to one boat per nation, per event, meaning sailors first having to win through their national qualification series.

2011 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship Events

Event - Equipment

Boy's One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial

Girl's One Person Dinghy - Laser Radial

Boy's Two Person Dinghy - 420

Girl's Two Person Dinghy - 420

Boy's Windsurfer - RS:X with 8.5m2 sail

Girl's Windsurfer - RS:X with 8.5m2 sail

Open Multihull - Sirena SL16

Open Skiff - 29er

The notice of race published by the organisers is below:

42nd ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship 2012

12 - 21 July 2012, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
Notice of Race
Approved by ISAF November 23, 2011
1. GENERAL
1.1 The Irish Sailing Association together with The Royal St George Yacht Club, National Yacht
Club and Royal Irish Yacht Club will host the 42nd ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship
and cordially invites all ISAF member national authorities to participate. The event will be held
from 12 to 21 July 2012.
1.2 The venue will be at the Royal St George Yacht Club and the National Yacht Club.
2. ORGANIZING AUTHORITY
The Championship will be organized by Dublin Bay Youth Worlds 2012 Limited a not-for-profit
company in conjunction with the Irish Sailing Association under the authority of the
International Sailing Federation (ISAF).
Address: Youth Worlds 2012
Royal St George Yacht Club,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co Dubllin
Telephone: +353 872 235 148
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.isafyouthworlds.com
www.dublinbay2012.com
3. RULES
3.1 The regatta will be governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing.
3.2 No national prescriptions will apply.
3.3 Class rules regarding membership will not apply.
3.4 In accordance with the ISAF Advertising Code, advertising on the supplied equipment is only
available to the organising authority. Competitors shall wear bibs supplied by the organizing
committee.
4. EVENTS, CLASSES, EQUIPMENT AND EQUIPMENT CHECK
4.1 The events and classes are as follows:
EVENT CLASS
Boy’s One Person Dinghy Laser Radial
Girl’s One Person Dinghy Laser Radial
Boy’s Two Person Dinghy 420
Girl’s Two Person Dinghy 420
Boy’s Windsurfer RS:X with 8.5m2 sail & 60cm fin
Girl’s Windsurfer RS:X with 8.5m2 sail & 60cm fin
Open Skiff 29er
Open Multihull SL 16
4.2 A penalty may be given or the use of the equipment may be withdrawn if, in the opinion of the
organizing authority, a competitor treats or handles the equipment without care or in a manner
which causes or is likely to cause damage to the equipment.
4.3 All equipment will, except items listed in 4.4 and 4.5, be supplied free of charge including rig,
sail and gear for all classes (except items mentioned in 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10).
4.4 The organizing authority will not supply compasses or other tactical devices, wind indicators,
buoyancy jackets, trapeze harnesses, hiking pants, wet or dry suits or other personal gear. No
modification to the equipment shall be made unless authorized by the organizing authority.
4.5 Competitors may bring and use the following items sponge, hand bailer, water bottles (only to
be attached to the equipment with rope or tape), shockcords, compass, wind indicators,
including yarn or thread (may be tied or taped anywhere on the equipment, provided their
fitting does not mark, pierce or damage the hull, deck, sails or spars).
4.6 Adhesive tape may be used anywhere above the waterline, but the tape needs to be
removable after the event without leaving any permanent damage. There shall be no writing
with permanent markers directly on the supplied equipment. No wax shall be applied. Hulls,
centreboards and rudders may be cleaned, but only with water and ordinary soap.
4.7 For Laser Radial only: Competitors must bring their own lines, sheet and blocks
(including ratchet block, outhaul, cunningham, traveller and vang systems) and
tiller/tiller extension. Competitors will be supplied with a fully fitted Laser hull including the
deck block fitting and the two single blocks and cleats for the deck led cunningham and
outhaul systems. The boats will be supplied with mini side deck cleats for the main sheet,
centreboard, rudder, mast, boom and sail.
4.8 For 420 only: Competitors must bring their own tow-rope (in accordance with
specification of the class rules). Competitors may bring and use a fitting made of
tape/wood/plastic and shockcord for retaining the spinnaker halyard. This fitting shall only be
attached using tape and not in a position above the gooseneck.
4.9 For RS:X only: Competitors must bring their own outhaul, downhaul systems (ropes,
cleats and pulleys) and the uphaul line. No permanent fixings will be used to attach these.
Harness lines will not be provided by the organisers.
4.10 For 29’er only: The boat's sails, spars, rigging, control lines and fittings shall be used as
supplied, unless alterations or additions are specifically authorized by the ISAF Technical
Delegate. The boats will be fitted with foot straps. Competitors may install their own tiller
extension, or twin extensions, but the attachment fitting must be left installed on the tiller at the
end of the regatta.
4.11 The equipment will not be required to be pre-measured. However, a boat or equipment may
be inspected at any time for compliance with the rules.
4.12 Boats may be required to carry cameras, sound devices or positioning devices as specified by
the organising authority.
4.13 Failure of supplied equipment will not be grounds for redress. This changes rule 62.1(a).
5. ENTRIES
5.1 A national authority in good standing with ISAF may enter one crew in all or any of the
disciplines listed in 4.1.
5.2 Such national authority may register an official team leader and one coach. If a national
authority enters competitors in at least one event per race area, one additional coach is
permitted.
In all other cases only one team leader and one coach is permitted.
RACE AREA EVENTS
A Boy’s and Girl’s One Person Dinghy
B Boy’s and Girl’s Two Person Dinghy, Open Multihull
C Boy’s & Girl’s Windsurfer, Open Skiff
5.3 Every competitor must be a national of the country which is entering him or her. The ISAF
Executive Committee will resolve all applications or disputes relating to the determination of
the national authority a competitor may represent. Each national authority is responsible to
ensure that its competitors comply with this requirement.
6. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
6.1 EQUIPMENT RESERVATION
All national authorities who are intending to enter a team will complete an Equipment
Reservation on line at www.isafyouthworlds.com specifying the events and number of
coaches they want to enter and pay a non-refundable €100 Equipment Reservation Fee per
equipment by 31 January 2012.
Equipment reservations submitted after 31 January 2012 may not be guaranteed a place in
the regatta.
If at the equipment reservation deadline the numbers of competitors in an event should
exceed the maximum limit of equipment supplied, the Organizing Authority, in consultation
with ISAF, may then implement an alternative racing format allowing equipment to be shared
by two or more competitors/crews.
6.2 FINAL ENTRY
Entries will be made on-line at www.isafyouthworlds.com and must be received with the
championship fee described below (minus the Equipment Reservation Fee paid) by the
organising authority by 30 April 2012. Accommodation and equipment is guaranteed only to
teams who have fulfilled the requirements in 6.1 and have submitted an entry form and paid
the championship fee by 30 April 2012. Entries received after 30 April 2012 will only be
accepted at the discretion of ISAF and in consultation with the Organizing Authority and with
the payment of the Late Entry fee.
6.3 A national authority which has not yet chosen a team by 30 April 2012 deadline must provide
the Organizing Authority with information about its schedule for selecting a team and the
number of persons, genders if possible, and their events to be entered by this deadline. No
additions or changes to the list can be accepted after 30 April 2012 without written approval of
ISAF and in consultation with the Organizing Authority.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
6.4 Competitors and team officials will receive an identification card at registration at the venue
which must be displayed at all times. Access to competitor’s preparation and residential areas
will be restricted. Spectators at the sailing venue may also be required to display a
registration card which will give access to specific areas only.
6.5 Each team is required to bring to the venue two of their national flags in approximate size 1.0
x 1.5m
6.6 The Medical Treatment Permission Form available on www.isafyouthworlds.com must be
submitted for each competitor no later than team registration. This form does not give
dispensation for taking prescribed medication. For medication declarations, please follow
procedures as given in the ISAF Anti-Doping Code (ISAF regulation 21).
6.7 All competitors shall be under the age of 19 years on 31 December 2012 (born after 31
December 1993) and be registered as an ‘ISAF Sailor’ on the ISAF website, www.sailing.org
Each national authority is responsible to ensure that its competitors comply with this
requirement.
6.8 At all times when afloat competitors are required to wear a personal buoyancy jacket. The
organizing authority reserves the right to reject any buoyancy jacket which it considers
unsuitable. Personal buoyancy shall comply with appropriate national standards.
6.9 Each team is required to bring a 250ml bottle containing water from their home seas or lakes
for the Mixing of the Waters ceremony.
7. CHAMPIONSHIP FEE AND DAMAGE DEPOSITS
7.1 Each competitor, team leader and coach will be charged a championship fee of EUR 900 per
team member (EUR 1.200 for Late Entries) for the 10 scheduled days of the event (minus any
Equipment Reservation Fee paid), payable to the organizing authority as instructed on the
entry form.
The Late Entry fee will apply to all entries received after 30 April 2012.
7.2 The championship fee will include airport shuttle from and to Dublin Airport, accommodation
and meals, starting from the midday meal on 12 July and ending with the breakfast meal on
21 July 2012. For accommodation etc prior to 12 July or/and after 20 July, please contact
Moyra O’Donoghue at [email protected]
7.3 There will be no refund if entered competitors withdraw their entry after the entry
deadline.
7.4 A damage deposit of EUR 250 for Laser Radial and RS:X and EUR 350 for 420, 29er and
SL 16 (cash or credit card authorisation) per supplied equipment will be required for
registration at the venue. In case of damage to any equipment, the competitor may be
required to pay an additional amount in order to maintain the damage deposit balance at EUR
250 for Laser Radial and RS:X and at EUR 350 for 420, 29er and SL 16.
7.5 A damage deposit by way of credit card authorisation will be required by the hotel for possible
damage to the hotel premises or for services provided by the hotel such as (additional) food,
drink and the use of telephone(s), etc.
8. SCHEDULE
12 races are scheduled for each event. No more than 3 races will be sailed on any day.
Thursday 12 July Official Arrival Day Registration
Equipment Allocation & On Water Training
Team Leaders Meeting
Friday 13 July Training Day Equipment Allocation
Competitors Briefing
On Water Training
Practice Race
Opening Ceremony
Saturday 14 July Race Day 1 2 Races
Sunday 15 July Race Day 2 3 Races
Monday 16 July Race Day 3 2 Races
Tuesday 17 July Reserve Day
Wednesday 18 July Race Day 4 2 Races
Thursday 19 July Race Day 5 2 Races
Friday 20 July Race Day 6 1 Race
Equipment Return
Closing Ceremony
Saturday 21 July Departure Day Departure
Equipment Supply The supplied equipment will be available on 12 July 2012. The venue is
not available for practice sailing before 12 July 2012.
9. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
The sailing instructions will be available for all competitors at registration at the venue and on
the event website approximately one month before the championship.
10. PENALTY SYSTEM
10.1 Appendix P, Immediate Penalties for Breaking Rule 42, will apply.
10.2 For the SL 16 and 29er events rules 44.1 and 44.2 are changed so that only one turn,
including one tack and one gybe, is required.
10.3 Decisions of the jury will be final as provided in rule 70.5.
11. SCORING
11.1 Five races are required to be completed to constitute a series.
11.2 (a) When fewer than five (5) races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total
of her race scores.
(b) When five (5) or more races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of
her race scores excluding her worst score.
11.3 For RS:X Rule B8.2, B8.3 and B8.8 shall not apply.
12. SUPPORT BOAT
(a) Private or team support boats are not permitted.
(b) Team Leaders and coaches may go afloat only in craft supplied by the organizing
authority, and clearly marked as such, from Friday July 13 to Friday July 20.
13. BERTHING
Boats shall be kept in their assigned places in the boat parks.
14. DRUG TESTING
Competitors are reminded of the ISAF rules and regulations concerning the use of banned
methods and substances, which are contained in ISAF Anti Doping Code. Drug testing may
take place during this event.
15. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Competitors participate in the championship entirely at their own risk. See rule 4, Decision to
Race. The organizing authority will not accept any liability for material damage or personal
injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the championship.
16. PRIZES
Prizes will be given as follows:
16.1 ISAF medals in gold, silver and bronze will be awarded to first, second and third overall
finishers in each event.
16.2 The ISAF World Youth Sailing Championship Trophy will be awarded to the winning crew in
the Boy’s Two Person Dinghy event.
16.3 The RYA Trophy will be awarded to the winning crew in the Girl’s Two Person Dinghy event.
16.4 The ISAF St. Lawrence Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Boy’s One Person Dinghy
event.
16.5 The ISAF Royal Netherlands Centennial Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Girl’s
One Person Dinghy event.
16.6 The ISAF Paul Phelan Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Boy’s Windsurfer event.
16.7 The ISAF St. Moritz Board Sailing Championship Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the
Girl’s Windsurfer event.
16.8 The ISAF Paul Henderson Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Open Multihull event.
16.9 The ISAF Prince Henry the Navigator Trophy will be awarded to the winner in the Open Skiff
event.
16.10 There will be a Trophy awarded to the top-scoring national authority team.
16.11 The ISAF Bengt Julin Trophy will be awarded to a competitor or a National Team that has in
the competitors’ opinion done most to foster international understanding and has displayed
the attributes that should be encouraged in international competition.
16.12 Other trophies may be awarded for sportsmanship, exemplary behaviour and rules compliance
during the championship.
17. FURTHER INFORMATION
17.1 Entries will be acknowledged in writing.
17.2 General information about travel to Dun Laoghaire, Ireland and its facilities is available
through the website: www.dublinbay2012.com

Ken Lawless's Supernova was a double winner in last night's Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) race, a result that sets up the Dubois Starflash design as a favourite in the biggest fleet of next week's Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta at the same venue. Our Dublin Bay Correspondent Reports.

On IRC handicap Huggy Bear (S.Doyle/G.Byrne) was second to Supernova and third was the Bolero 26, Two Step (Ross Doyle). On ECHO, Huggy Bear took second too but third went to the club's only Jezequel 116 design, Cri-Cri skippered by Paul Colton.

DBSC are celebrating the success of course changes introduced this year that have received widespread approval across the 17 fleets. The new courses are producing tight racing, a situation very much in evidence last night across the bay but particularly noticeable in the one design classes. Good turnouts from the Ruffian's, Fifteens and SB3s were treated to good courses and some of the closest racing of the season.

Royal St. George crews fared well with Derek Mitchell coming out on top in a 19-boat Ruffian fleet and Andrew Algeo at the helm of Flutter the SB3 winner. Tom Leonard's Mellifluence from the National Yacht Club was the winner of the 16-Flying fifteens. The full results are below:

BENETEAU 31.7 - 1. Bluefin Two (M & B Bryson), 2. Levana (Jean Mitton), 3. Prospect (Chris Johnston)

BENETEAU 31.7 Echo- 1. Extreme Reality (P.McSwiney/E.O'Rafferty), 2. Attitude (D.Owens/T.Milner), 3. Bluefin Two (M & B Bryson)

CRUISERS 1 Echo - 1. Adrenalin (Joe McDonald), 2. Xtravagance (Colin Byrne), 3. Axiom (M.O'Neill)

CRUISERS 1 - 1. Xtravagance (Colin Byrne), 2. Joker 11 (John Maybury), 3. Something Else (J.Hall et al)

CRUISERS 2 - 1. Jawesome 11 (V.Kennedy/M.Dyke), 2. Red Rhum (J Nicholson), 3. Bendemeer (Lindsay Casey Power)

CRUISERS 2 Echo - 1. Red Rhum (J Nicholson), 2. Jawesome 11 (V.Kennedy/M.Dyke), 3. Peridot (Jim McCann et al)

CRUISERS 3 Echo - 1. Supernova (K.Lawless et al), 2. Huggy Bear (S.Doyle/G.Byrne), 3. Cri-Cri (P Colton)

CRUISERS 3 - 1. Supernova (K.Lawless et al), 2. Huggy Bear (S.Doyle/G.Byrne), 3. Two Step (Ross Doyle)

DRAGON - 1. Susele (Michael Halpenny), 2. Diva (R.Johnson/R.Goodbody), 3. Phantom (D.Williams/P.Bowring)

FLYING FIFTEEN - 1. Mellifluence (Tom Leonard), 2. Snow White (Frank Burgess), 3. Fflogger (Alan Dooley)

GLEN - 1. Glenmarissa (F.Elmes/W.Higgins), 2. Pterodactyl (R & D McCaffrey), 3. Glenroan (Terence Moran)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Ruff Nuff (D & C Mitchell), 2. Diane ll (Bruce Carswell), 3. Ruff N Ready (Ann Kirwan et al)

SB3s - 1. Flutter (Andrew Algeo), 2. Defiant (R.Hudson/J.Hooper), 3. Alert Packaging (Justin Burke)

SHIPMAN - 1. Curraglas (John Masterson), 2. Therapi (Alan McCarthy et al), 3. Malindi (B.Smith/A.Gray)

SIGMA 33 - 1. White Mischief (Timothy Goodbody), 2. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 3. Pippa lV (G.Kinsman/K.Blake/M.O'Brien)

SQUIB - 1. Little Bird (N Barnwell), 2. Anemos (Pete & Ann Evans), 3. Chillax (Mary McLoughlin)

WHITE SAIL CRUISERS Echo - 1. Katie (Tom Dunne et al), 2. Nirvana (Bernard Neeson), 3. Edenpark (Liam Farmer)

WHITE SAIL CRUISERS - 1. Persistence (C. Broadhead et al), 2. Act Two (Michael O'Leary et al), 3. Calypso (Howard Knott)

Sea Mist Presented No Obstacle for Saturday's Dublin Bay Sailing Club Fleet all the results here. The ISORA fleet raced to Rockabill and back but only 13 entered for the 50-miler.

Abroad, Keelboats are out of the Olympic Games (and kitesurfing is in!). Royal St. George Knights were quarter finalists at the British Team Racing Champs. There is video too with Irish commentator Jimmy Fitzpatrick.

Should Kinsale Yacht Club move or rebuild a crumbling premises?

Spot the mark was the order of the day on Dublin Bay for this afternoon's Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) race as boats, ships and racing marks appeared - and disappeared - in a sea mist that persisted all afternoon.  The south easterly breeze that had prevailed this week means Forty foot mark, located just off Sandycove point, has got more than its fair share of use. Last Thursday's courses came in to play again this afternoon in Scotsmans bay.

David Williams of the Royal St. George Yacht Club sailing Phantom produced the same form as Thursday night to win from Michael Doorly in Aphrodite in a seven boat Dragon fleet. In the Flying fifteen's Frank Burgess  of the National Yacht Club won both races. The SB3 results have not been recorded and nor have Cruisers Zero. John Maybury's Cruiser one entry, the J109 Joker, was a winner on IRC and Chris Moore's J109 Powder Monkey was the ECHO handicap winner. The rest of the DBSC results from this afternoon's race are below:

As the DBSC fleet sailed back to their moorings more boats appeared out of the mist around 4.30pm. It was the leading pack of the ISORA fleet returning from their second race to Rockabill and back. And bringing them home was Bay regular Derek Martin's Lively Lady. Click for our ISORA story here.

DUBLIN PORT Dublin Bay Sailing Club Results for 7 MAY 2011

BENETEAU 31.7 - 1. Flying Machine (Conor O'Gallagher), 2. Prospect (Chris Johnston), 3. Bluefin Two (M & B Bryson)

BENETEAU 31.7 Echo- 1. Prospect (Chris Johnston), 2. Fiddly Bits (Kevin Byrne et al), 3. Flying Machine (Conor O'Gallagher)

CRUISERS 1 - 1. Joker 11 (John Maybury), 2. Something Else (J.Hall et al), 3. Aztec 3 (Peter Beamish)

CRUISERS 1 Echo - 1. Powder Monkey (C.Moore/M.Byrne), 2. Joker 11 (John Maybury), 3. Aztec 3 (Peter Beamish)

CRUISERS 2 Echo - 1. Dick Dastardly (B.Cusack et al), 2. Jawesome 11 (V.Kennedy/M.Dyke), 3. Smile (O'Connell/Healy/O'Sullivan)

CRUISERS 2 - 1. Jawesome 11 (V.Kennedy/M.Dyke), 2. Bendemeer (Lindsay Casey Power), 3. Smile (O'Connell/Healy/O'Sullivan)

CRUISERS 3 Echo - 1. Gung Ho (G & S O'Shea), 2. Hyflyer (John Barnard), 3. Cacciatore (Anne O'Callaghan et al)

CRUISERS 3 - 1. Gung Ho (G & S O'Shea), 2. Hyflyer (John Barnard), 3. Papytoo (M.Walsh/F.Guilfoyle)

CRUISERS 4 - 1. Maranda (Myles Kelly), 2. Ghrazel (Charles Pearson)

DRAGON - 1. Phantom (D.Williams/P.Bowring), 2. Aphrodite (Michael Doorly et al), 3. Susele (Michael Halpenny)

FLYING FIFTEEN - 1. Snow White (Frank Burgess), 2. The Big Bow Wow (N.Meagher/N.Matthews), 3. Fflogger (Alan Dooley)

FLYING FIFTEEN Race 2- 1. Snow White (Frank Burgess), 2. Hi Fibre (Michael McCambridge), 3. The Gruffalo (Keith Poole)

GLEN - 1. Glenluce (D & R O'Connor), 2. Glenshesk (L.Faulkner et al), 3. Glendun (B.Denham et al)

IDRA 14 FOOT - 1. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 2. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne), 3. Squalls (Stephen Harrison)

IDRA 14 FOOT Race 2- 1. Dunmoanin (Frank Hamilton), 2. Squalls (Stephen Harrison), 3. Doody (J.Fitzgerald/J.Byrne)

MERMAID - 1. Jill (P.Smith/P.Mangan), 2. Lively Lady (G O'Neill & M Hanney), 3. Kim (D Cassidy)

MERMAID Race 2- 1. Lively Lady (G O'Neill & M Hanney), 2. Jill (P.Smith/P.Mangan), 3. Kim (D Cassidy)

PY CLASS - 1. E Ryan (RS400), 2. F.Heath (Laser 1), 3. Desmond McCarthy (Laser 1)

PY CLASS Race 2- 1. F.Heath (Laser 1), 2. Desmond McCarthy (Laser 1), 3. E Ryan (RS400)

RUFFIAN 23 - 1. Ruffles (Michael Cutliffe), 2. Ripples (Frank Bradley), 3. Diane ll (Bruce Carswell)

SHIPMAN - 1. Gusto (C Heath), 2. Jo Slim (J.Clarke et al), 3. Whiterock (Henry Robinson)

SIGMA 33 - 1. White Mischief (Timothy Goodbody), 2. Gwili Two (D.Clarke/P.Maguire), 3. Popje (Ted McCourt)

SQUIB - 1. Femme Fatale (Joe O'Byrne), 2. Kookaburra (P & M Dee), 3. Nimble (Brian O'Hare)

SQUIB Race 2- 1. Femme Fatale (Joe O'Byrne), 2. Nimble (Brian O'Hare), 3. Kookaburra (P & M Dee)

WHITE SAIL CRUISERS Echo- 1. Sea Safari (Jacquelin Smith), 2. Calypso (Howard Knott), 3. Nirvana (Bernard Neeson)

WHITE SAIL CRUISERS - 1. Calypso (Howard Knott), 2. Act Two (Michael O'Leary et al), 3. Arwen (Philip O'Dwyer)

In what amounts to a dress rehearsal for Schull's staging of the ISAF world team racing championships this August, Ireland's Royal St. George Knights have won three of six matches sailed and lie sixteenth overall after yesterday's first day of competition at the 2011 Wilson Trophy.

Racing got underway on time and in perfect conditions on the first day of  the British Team Racing Championship at West Kirby Sailing Club, where 32 teams from across the UK, Ireland and the USA have congregated on the marine lake for three day's of high intensity team racing action. With all the top teams who have qualified for the upcoming Team Racing World Championship in Ireland competing here this weekend, this year's Wilson Trophy is set to be one of the most competitive in the event's sixty-two year history.

There can be few better venues than West Kirby to run a team racing event of this scale. The marine lake has 360 degree access allowing spectators unlimited vantage points from which to observe the action. Racing takes place in a fleet of thirty-six equally matched and colour-coded Firefly dinghies provided by the organisers. A twenty-five strong armada of international umpires are on hand to oversee the racing and administer instant justice in the form of on the water penalties. Over 350 races will be completed before the elimination system narrows the field down to just the top two teams the Grand Final, to be sailed in front of a packed and noisy grandstand on Sunday afternoon.

Midway through the afternoon, with four rounds completed only three teams, West Kirby Hawks, Oxford & Cambridge and Dream Team unbeaten with a 4 - 0 scoreline. With just one loss each was NYYC Team Extreme, Woonsocket Rockets, Buns & Ammo, and Wessex Exempt. Early in the fifth round West Kirby Hawks matched up against Dream Team, with the Hawks immediately taking control of the race before consolidating their advantage to take a 1,2,3, win. Oxford & Cambridge also dismissed NYYC Team Extreme with a 1,2,6 combination, leaving just the Hawks and Oxford & Cambridge unbeaten at that point.

The sixth and final round of the day saw a pitched battle of a race between the Hawks and Oxford & Cambridge for first day bragging rights. The teams were locked together for the entire race, with control switching back and forth on every leg. Even as the two teams approached the finish line, the match was still undecided, with the last few maneuvers of the leg seeing Oxford & Cambridge pull off a 1,3,6 combo to take the win.

So with six rounds sailed on the first day the standings are as follows:

1st Oxford & Cambridge - 6 wins

2nd West Kirby Hawks - 5 wins

3rd Woonsocket Rockets - 5 wins

4th Dream Team - 4 wins

5th NYYC Team Extreme - 4 wins

Racing at the 2011 Wilson Trophy for the British Team Racing Championship at West Kirby Sailing Club continues tomorrow with more Swiss League Rounds.

Full results at the regatta website here

Typically the start of the Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) is a traditional season highlight on the capital's waters but there's so much sailing slated for Dublin Bay the weekend it's hard to know where to start.

There could be anything up to 500-boats afloat for events right across the bay and out in to the Irish Sea.

Joining the 390 boat DBSC fleet for its 128th season is a gathering of over 300 dinghies in Dun Laoghaire for the Mitsubishi Youth National Championships at the Royal St. George and National Yacht Clubs. It's an important event because it is a dry run for next year's ISAF Youth Worlds on Dublin Bay.

The National Yacht Club is also host for the first race of the 2011 ISORA offshore season. Up to 17 starters from a possible ISORA entry list of 40 are confirmed for the first race to Holyhead. First gun for ISORA is at 0755. An Early one!

Across the bay in Howth there is a competitive fleet assembled for the SB3 Eastern Championships. A notable feature of the event is the inclusion of Olympic campaigner Annalise Murphy.

Ashore, Réalt na Mara Dun Laoghaire RNLI's new D-class lifeboat is to be officially named during a ceremony on the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire this Saturday at 12 noon. The lifeboat is to be named by Mr and Mrs Pat and Kathy Kenny. RTE presenter Pat Kenny and his wife Kathy have been long-standing supporters of the Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboats.

Mid week forecasts show good sailing winds for the weekend. Met Eireann is forecasting Southeast to east force 2 to 4 breezes, light enough for a gentle start to the season but there's still a chance of stronger for Saturday afternoon. Listen to Eddie English's weather prediction from Cork Harbour.

 

April 28 - May 01. As part of the build up to the Dublin Bay 2012 sailing competition, the ISA and Dun Laoghaire waterfront clubs are combining to create a new exciting youth championship to be hosted at the 2012 ISAF Youth Worlds venue during the 2011 Easter holidays. The ISA and RSGYC are bringing together the two major youth championships on Irish calendar into the four day ISA Mitsubishi Youth National Championships.

Post event wrap up report here. Ongoing coverage of youth sailing here.

Three hundred sailors from around the country are expected to compete for the six national youth titles, six junior pathway titles and the Mitsubishi coaching grant. Racing for the Boys and Girls titles will be over three courses on Dublin Bay for the 420, Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, Topper, Feva and Optimist classes. The final leg of the Optimist Trials will also take place at the same time.

With interest already from overseas competitors a number of top international sailors, have been invited to compete against the best Irish sailors to raise the level of competition in advance of Dublin Bay 2012.

The Dublin Bay 2012 organisers are not just focused on testing the racing but plan a full range of activities and entertainment ashore to ensure all the sailors, families and friends have fun and enjoy this special once-in-a-year time when all the youth classes come together.

The National Yacht Club's Annalise Murphy (Laser Radial) travelled to Australia last weekend for the Perth International Regatta http://www.perth2011.com/ which starts on the 16th of this month. The aim is to gain valuable experience at the venue which will host the December 2011 ISAF World Championships and which will be a vital qualifying event for the the 2012 London Olympic games.

Also heading for Perth is the Royal St. George's Ben Lynch in the high speed 49er dinghy.

After Perth, Annalise travels to Melbourne for the season's first ISAF World Cup event which will be run from Sandringham Yacht Club from 12-19th December. Annalise is currently ranked 20th Womens Laser Radial sailor and 1st under 21 in the World and is campaigning full time to represent Ireland in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Top youth Laser Radial Sailor Ross Vaughan from the Royal North of Ireland YC has gone down as a training partner for Annalise together with her coach Rory Fitzpatrick.

Also taking part in the Perth Regatta are Irish 49er team of Ryan Seaton and Matt Mc Govern (Ballyholme YC) and Ross Hamilton from the RIYC, Dun Laoghaire.