SQUIB IRISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AUGUST 2008
Sponsored by: RED FM; EVENING ECHO; MATHEWS OF CORK; MARINE MOTORS.
Kinsale Yacht Club hosted the Squib Nationals for the first time this year. With a fleet of 19 boats and having previously hosted the Southern Championships, it was timely that the nationals came to kinsale this year.
With 36 boats entered, we looked forward to an exciting and competitive event. The horrible weather abated long enough for us to get some good racing in moderate to strong coditions and even some sunshine.
Day one started with light conditions which soon picked up to fresh South Westerlies which provided good racing conditions. After 3 races, Aficionado, 78, and Toy For The Boys, 818, were in close contention for first place with Halloween,148, also in the running. A long and satisfying days sailing was rewarded with a barbeque back at the club and the usual tall tales of of victories and woes.
Day two brought bad visibility and strong winds but delays were kept to a minimum thanks to the expertise of the OOD and his experienced team. Aficionado found her groove and logged up three consecutive wins which left her in an unasailable position going into the last race. John Driscoll and crew headed home without contesting the last race, their job done. The mist lifted enough on the last race for the fleet to be able to see the windward mark and eventually find our way home.
Our sincere thanks to our sponsors without whom the event would not have happened. Our OOD, Neill Prenderville, assisted by Bruce Mathews and John Petch, did a fantastic job in expertly keeping things riunning smoothly. To them and the safetyboat crew and all other helpers, a warm thank you. A special thanks to Michele Field and the organising committee for their dedication to the cause.
Results of Irish Squib Nationals 2008 :
Gold Fleet: 1st Aficionado 78 John Driscoll RNYC
2nd Toy For The Boys 818 Peter Wallace RNYC
3rd Hallewen 148 Fred Campbell RNYC
Silver Fleet: 1st Mack 729 Paul McCarthy KYC
2nd Wheres wooly? 716 Conor O’Leary HYC
3rd Woodpecker 199 Victor Fusco KYC
Victor Fusco
Squib Class Captain.