Last weekend saw 7 RStGYC Lasers cross over the Shannon, headed to Galway Bay for the Connaught Championships – and what an amazing regatta venue it was yet again.
The Radials (37 boats) was the business end of things as this was leg 1 of 2 trial events for ISAF Youth Worlds. Our Conor O’Beirne, our only Radial strangely enough, headed into the regatta with a niggly quad strain so must have viewed the breezy forecast with some trepidation. In fact, O’Beirne dug real deep and finished an excellent 3 rd overall. Conor, seen at Prizegiving in attached photo, was effectively hiking with just one leg under the toe strap and stays well in the mix for qualification for the Malaysia Youth worlds.
In the Full rigs, we had 3 sailors in the 24 boat fleet. Sean Craig was 8th, Cian Cahill 9th and Luke Murphy 10th. Hey, lads, we know the George is known for team racing but that’s a little too cosy isn’t it!? In fact, the front of this fleet was red-hot with the top 7 comprising Finn Lynch, then two more Olympic aspirants, a couple of past Radial Champs, a Masters Champ and then a top pro coach. Also, significantly, Luke Murphy took top Youth award.
The Sunday was one of the most memorable days sailing for many. The 4.7s were wisely stood down and only the hardiest Radials and Full rigs went out to enjoy amazing surfing and exertion in a steady Force 6 in glorious sunshine. Check out this vid of Annalise Murphy on Sunday, who won the Radials easily, on one of the reaches.
Next regional Laser event is Kinsale at the end of July but before that we have a good few Full rigs going in Volvo DLR and also Good Luck to any of our younger guys heading off to compete overseas. Here’s hoping we get more of our young racers out getting some race practice. We’ll all need it when the big one rolls along, that is, the Nationals here on our own doorstep at NYC Aug 20-23.
Results from Galway.
