Only 6 weeks to go until the ICRA National Cruiser Championship
by Brian O’Sullivan 3 May 2013 06:59 BST
12-15 June 2013
With only 6 weeks remaining, it is all systems go for the Irish Cruiser Racing Association's National Championships in Tralee Bay (starting June 13th), held in conjunction with the West of Ireland Offshore Racing Association's own championships, starting on June 12th, 2013.
If you haven't entered yet, do so immediately! Otherwise, you will be missing a brilliant event in the Irish sailing calendar this year! If you have entered already, and have not sorted out your accommodation and berthing requirements, now is the time to do so. Entries are coming in hard and fast, so get on board with what will be a major event in Irish sailing! Each and every fleet is building up nicely, with fierce competition expected across the board. Two classes are expected in "White Sails/Non Spinnaker" and just because spinnakers will not be flying, these classes will be fought tooth and nail!
A super Class 1 Fleet is building. In fact, Class 1 is now emerging as a cracking class for the ICRA Nationals. Entry includes four J109's, including defending champion Ian Nagle's "Jelly Baby" from RCYC, former Champion Pat Kelly from Rush SC and HYC in "Storm" and from the Royal Irish both Declan Hayes in "Indecision" and John Maybury in "Joker 2". These will be joined by Paul O'Higgin's competitive Corby 33 "Rockabilly" RIYC/ NYC, along with Denis Hewitt and gang in "Raptor" RIYC and the likes of Derry Good's X362 sport "Exhale II" from RCYC to name but a few.
The West Coast will be represented by Dan Counihan's First 36.7 "Galileo" from TBSC and Barry Heskin from GBSC in "Now What". The Galway Bay Dubois 33 of Barry Heskin, featuring many of the stalwarts from the Joggernaut days in a now toned down version. Martin Breen, also, from Galway will have something to say when it comes to results, so watch this space and watch the west awake!
Lastly, a very exciting new boat will join the fray - Colin Byrne from Royal Irish will be bringing his new X33, rumoured to be a flyer and yet to be even named! So, all Classes are attracting real quality, in what promises to be a great event on the water and a real sailing carnival ashore.
Good news is that the discount entry date has been extended for more than 2 weeks to 15th May, so get your entries and payment in now to take advantage of this very generous offer.
Don't miss the unique opportunity to compete in the magnificent waters of Tralee Bay for the Irish Cruiser Racing Association's national championships in conjunction with WIORA's own championships, both in IRC and ECHO.
in the National Championships and WIORA here.