McGovern brothers win first Irish 49er Nationals

Michael Liddy reports on the blustery conditions at Ballyhome Yacht Club

Ireland's first 49er National Championship took place in the beautiful location of Ballyholme yacht Club. 1300hrs Friday was the scheduled for race 1 of a planned 14 race series. Conditions were light as 9 out of the country's 15 49ers launched. Race 1 kicked of with less than 5 knots of breeze and was dogged by a 40 degree shift on the first beat. That race was cancelled on the second leg when the high performance boats couldn’t keep there large kits flying. After a short wait all the 49ers were hailed ashore in the hope that breeze might fill in which it failed to do. That evening was marked by the classes first ever AGM and one or two quiet drinks in anticipation for the 10 races planned for the following day, crews to bed early.

Saturday's wind went to the extreme of Friday with up to 25knots in gusty conditions. Racing was postponed until a decision at 1300hrs and half the crews decided to brave the conditions and test their skills. The McGovern brothers from the host club lead the way with some impressive sailing while others provided fabulous wipeouts for the local camera man and sheer laughter for the rescue crews (big thank you). Alls crews came ashore for lunch kindly provided for by the McGovern family and a great chuckle at TV footage from the mornings sail. Racing for the rest of the day was cancelled due to the conditions and some crews braved the gusts for an afternoon blast. Unfortunately Marcus Spillane and Owen Hennessy struck a rock leaving the shore (not funny in a 49er) and had to retire from the regatta. That evening kicked off with a 25 strong 49er ‘quiet’ night out with discussion on the forecast of 30knots for the final day of racing.

Sunday found similar conditions to Sat with gusts up to 26 knots. Crews decided to give racing a go in an effort to decide the First Irish 49er Championship. With 7 boats arriving to the course conditions were proving difficult in the gusts. Race 1 was delayed slightly but got off to a 4 boat start while others were swimming! The McGovern’s Russell and Matthew lead the way round to the First of 3 race wins on the day and a fine kick start to their Olympic Champaign. Warren Polly and Jeremy Tomalin also of Ballyholme Yacht Club proved that they have been getting on the pace after only 5 months of sailing the performance 49er with a credible 2nd in one race of the British Nationals this year. John Champers and Colman Grimes completed the top 3 with a third and second placing. Overall it was an excellent start the Olympic 49er class in Ireland.



The class will now turn its focus to its next training weekend on the 23rd and 24th of Oct with Olympian Tom Fitzpatrick. The association will also be inviting sailors interested in buying a 49er to come for a sail on the Sat afternoon at 1400hrs followed by drinks in the yacht club. It is the aim and indeed there is support to indicate that 2005 will see over 20 49ers actively sailing in Ireland.