The Jaguar run’s fast in Dun Laoghaire

Here in Dublin Bay, 25 high quality Dragon Team’s are competing in the Brewin Dolphin Irish National Championships, hosted by the Royal St George Yacht Club.. So far 4 races have been completed over the past 2 days and the current Irish National Champion Martin Byrne, has not had it all his own way.. Indeed in the first race sailed in a light easterly wind Byrne had to settle for a 16th place and could only watch in frustration as GBR 768 “Dark & Stormy” helmed by Chris “Budda” Hunt took a well deserved win.

However, Byrne helming IRL 201 “Jaguar” showed great form to win both race 2 and race 3 before yours truly (Martin Payne) GBR 767 took race 4 as the North Westerly  breeze built up to around 19 kts at times. Never far off the pace and putting together the most consistent set of results is Double Olympic Gold Medalist Poul-Richard Hoj-Jensen who has two 2nd and two 3rd places in his latest “Danish Blue” GBR 775. With two more races today it could go down to the final race on Sunday before the 2012 Championship is decided. As Byrne is carrying a 16th, he has to be very careful not to make a mistake, where as The “Man” Poul-Richard, can sail a little more aggressively. Not far behind these leaders is the current UK National Champion Simon Brien helming his latest KIN IRL 214 so things are warming up nicely, I just wish I could say the same about the weather…….. 🙂

Higher, Faster, Longer…………..   Stavros.  (GBR 767).