J/24 Irish Championship at Lough Erne Yacht Club

The Headcase team win the J/24 Irish Championship 2024 © JP Mccaldin

Lough Erne Yacht Club hosted the J/24 Irish Championship from 23rd to 25th August 2024. The event was sponsored and supported by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Hidden Hearing, Rope Locker, and Blakes of the Hollow.

With entries from throughout Ireland, including Carlingford, Cork, Sligo, Bray Wicklow, Lough Ree and Greystones. The largest entry was from the host club with 5 boats. The event included 2 under 25 teams and 3 past Irish champions with 16 boats in total.

Friday's racing was held in the broad lough with constantly changing direction and strength keeping both the race organisers and their competitors busy. Racing was dominated by double reigning European champions Headcase led by Cillian Dickson counting 3 1st places. Equally consistent were Dave Bailey and team Hard on Port with 3x 2nd places. Connor Haughton's team on Jupiter from Wicklow finished the day in 3rd. Both the silver and under 2 divisions were headed by Osin Brennan and his team from Sligo on Gossip.

Saturday dawned dry and initially the wind seemed moderate however continued to build throughout the day and meant the smaller jibs were the order of the day on all boats. Headcase continued to dominate winning the first two races on Saturday with a 4th Place in the final shortened race. Hard on Port continued their consistency in 2nd place to score two 3rd places and a second. Sligo team Blind Squirrel lead by Colm O'Flatterty had a good day in the strong winds moving up to 3rd overall.

Ken Draper and his young team from Sligo in Jevan took the lead in the silver fleet form Ossin Brennan in Gossip.

Unfortunately, due to the windy condition forecast on Sunday like most of the rest of Ireland no racing took place and Saturday finish positions remained.

Top local boat was Il Riccio, JP Mccaldin and team willing the last race after missing the first race due to crew injury. Luke Mcbride and team on Crazyhorse finished 7th with Tim Rippey and team on Jigilo 13th Barry Humphries on TJ 14th and the LEYC youth team led by Adam Torrens on Jet 16th.

Thanks to the race team led by Derek Bothwell form Howth Yacht Club and all volunteers who provided a successful event for all the competitors. Anyone interested in joining the J24 fleet for its autumn series are welcome to meet at the club at 11am on Sundays form 8th September to 13th October.

Overall Results: