Six Irish boats are competing at the Flying Fifteen European Championships starting on Thursday (March 9th) at Crozon Morgat in Brittany.
With crews also from France, Spain, Belgium, and the usual UK contenders, it promises to be an exciting four-day event.
Five of the Irish crews are from the National Yacht Club (NYC) in Dun Laoghaire, and the sixth are current National Champions Niall and Ronan O Briain from Connemara.
The Irish comprise:
- Ian Mathews and Keith Poole (NYC)
- Alan Green and Chris Doorly (NYC)
- Niall Meagher and Nicky Matthews (NYC)
- Shane McCarthy and Hugh McNally (NYC)
- Niall and Laura Coleman (NYC)
- Niall and Ronan O Briain ( Connemara)
Although it is early season, the Irish have undergone winter training with NYC head coach Thomas Chaix, who will also be on the water in Crozon.
In addition to the national champion O Briains, former GP14 World Champion Shane McCarthy is also expected to be in the mix.
The event, hosted by Centre Nautique Crozon Morgat in Brittany, is part of the regional event Le Grand Priz Ecole Navale.