1720 resurgence

Top figures to compete at the CH Marine 1720 Irish Nationals next week

The CH Marine 2008 1720 Irish National Championships will take place this year in Baltimore, West Cork from Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th September.

The 1720 sports boat was designed by Tony Castro following an original concept from a number of members of the Royal Cork Yacht Club who were looking for a high performance Club Sports Boat.

Following the initial phenomenal success of the fleet in the late 1990s and early 2000s there has been diminishing interest in the last number of years.

However, there has now been a resurgence of interest in the class especially in West Cork with small fleets developing in Crookhaven, Schull and Baltimore, the emphasis being placed on Club racing and bringing young sailors through in an exciting keelboat format for which the 1720 is ideal.

CH Marine have come onboard as principal sponsors for this years event with CEO Nick Bendon confirming that their attraction to the fleet rests in the fact that the event is taking place locally and in boats which have a both a national and international presence similar to their own business.

Some of this years sailors competitors will include last years National Champion, Nicholas O’Leary, Olympic sailors Peter O’Leary and Maria Coleman and other noted helms Maurice (Prof) O’Connell (former European Champion), Anthony O’Leary and Joe English. In total there are 15-20 boats expected with in excess of 100 sailors and racing should be of the highest quality with the Race Officer for the event being Eddie English