It has been a busy and exciting dinghy pen in Howth this week with the green gate witnessing the departure of the many visiting Optimists to be replaced by the ad hoc arrival of Melges 15s. Pro Richard Kissane and team have also been spotted preparing for the use of new Race Management software Race Sense with various simulations of start boats and marks being set up on the forecourt to check functionality and features.

Training underway off Howth, photo credit Andrew Conan

Competitors are looking forward to some fast fun sailing with medium to strong winds forecast. With 13 Melges 15s based in Howth the local club will be optimistic of a home winner with the teams of Mike Evans and Cormac Farrelly showing good form in Howth’s recent dinghy regatta. Late bolters Darragh O’Connor and Teddy Byrne will revel in the stronger conditions alongside Matthew Cotters ‘Wrong Trousers’ team fresh from a strong performance at the Gp14 worlds.

Family will be a strong theme amongst the visiting fleet with Husband and Wife Partnerships, Theo and Clodagh Lyttle and Mike Huang and Scotia Ryer coming off race wins leading up to the championships. Uncle Niece combo John and Katie Sheehy won a hard fought RSGYC regatta this Summer with some consistent sailing so will also hope to feature. Keep an eye out too for the Youth team of Peter Williams and Russell Bolger. Russell, current Junior Helmsmans champion and a former 29er ace will add awesome spinnaker trimming to Peter’s tactical acumen.

A banquet meal at the club on Saturday should revive the sailors after an expected four races while anticipation is building to see some great drone footage of the days action with top drone photographer Goncalo Melo flying in from Portugal to cover the event.

19 boat fleet set for Melges 15 Nationals in Howth