Irish Nationals 1998

The Irish nationals were sponsored by Key Events and held at the Irish National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire. Registration was on Thursday morning, although you could measure in on Wednesday evening when most of the competitors arrived.

On Thursday morning the winds were very strong and the racing was cancel. This gave Thomas Smedley and myself a chance to relax and enjoy the friendly spirit of the Irish. The activities that evening were Sumo wrestling, bungy running and gladiator baton fights. The best Sumo fight was between my little brother Nicky and Robert O'Leary. Robert, who is twice the size of my brother, flattened him.

Friday again was breezy, but there not quite as much as the day before, and the race committee had to send us out as we had not sailed the day before. Dylan Gannon convincingly won all three races by a big margin. That night the committee had organised a trip to the local bowling centre. When we arrived there was, to the delight of many people, an arcade.

On Saturday a gentle 10-15 knots of wind was gratefully received, as we were all exhausted from the day before. Race 4 was won by Ray Otto who started with a superb port hand flyer. I won races 5 & 6 (just). A disco was organised that night but people were hesitant to dance, however the DJ soon changed that with a bit of "Steps".

Sunday again was breezy and at the end the day Dylan came out on top, after winning 5 out of the 9 races. Thomas Smedley, the only other Brit. finished in the early teens. The prizes were great and the crack was grand even if I was a bit bold! This is certainly one of the most enjoyable events I have ever been to. Next year be-there-or-be-square!

Johnny Marshall

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Last modified: May 12, 2002