2024 Irish Championship for 12 Foot Dinghy at Bray Sailing Club
12 Foot Dinghy Irish Championship 2024 at Bray Sailing Club
24 August 2024
For the first time in recent history, the Irish 12 Foot Dinghy Championship has relocated 12 kilometers from Dun Laoghaire to Bray Sailing Club on Saturday, August 24th.
Three different types of 12-foot dinghies competed in this exciting event:
- International 12 Foot Dinghies
- Dublin Bay SC 12 Foot Dinghies (featuring a 1969 gunter rig with a small jib and a foredeck)
- Bray Droleens, which date back to 1896
All fleets sailed together under the supervision of PRO Barry MacNeeney. Although the weather forecast indicated winds of 11 knots gusting up to 22 knots, the competitors felt secure racing in winds up to 15 knots. The PRO opted to proceed with the racing, setting the course as close to shore as possible to mitigate wave impact.
In the first race, the Droleen “Windyridge” had the best start but soon encountered light winds on the left side of the course. Meanwhile, Mark Delany, sailing the century-old “Cora” (built by Camper and Nicholson), quickly took the lead, completing the single-lap triangular course in 15 minutes and 8 seconds. The Magowans in “Sgadan” finished fifty seconds later, followed closely by Johnson and Varian in “Albany,” who crossed the line twenty-four seconds after.
As the wind gusts strengthened in the second race, the two-handed 12-footers found an advantage. In a notable moment, the Magowans in “Sgadan” capsized just beyond the gybe mark. Ultimately, Johnson and Varian’s “Albany” won the race in 15 minutes and 19 seconds, with Mark Delany just one second behind.
With each boat having secured a victory, the final race would determine the champion. “Cora” started near the committee boat but was soon overtaken by the two-handed “Albany.” Despite recovering from their earlier capsize, “Sgadan” was forced to retire from the race. “Albany” finished in 13 minutes and 20 seconds, with “Cora” trailing by seventeen seconds. With both boats having performed remarkably, “Albany” clinched the overall championship on countback due to their two wins.
During the prize-giving ceremony, Peter Lundy, Commodore of Bray Sailing Club, expressed his delight at the participation of twenty-five entries across all classes. Vincent Delany of the 12 Foot Association reflected on the rich history of the three classic classes in competition. Mark Delany was honored with the Cora Trophy as the best International 12 Foot Dinghy, while Gavin Johnson received the Edmond Johnson Trophy for the best DBSC 12 Foot Dinghy. Additionally, Gail Varian was awarded the Altair Trophy for being the top crew.
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.