Six sailors from a fleet of sixteen have secured their places in tomorrow's All Ireland Sailing Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club and there have been some surprises on those filling the repechage ranks now looking for two remaining places in Sunday's finals.
Ger Owens of the GP14s took three wins from three races to secure his place. Hammy Baker of the Flying Fifteens, equally consistent with three seconds, and Ross Kearney of the Squibs both go through with Owens to the final from the second eight boat flight.
Ewen Barry of the host class, Nigel Biggs of ICRA Class Two and Sean Craig of the Radials qualified from the first flight.
There were ideal racing conditions inside Cork Harbour that prevailed for the annual competition being sailed in National 18 Ultras.
Finalist Sean Craig of the Laser Radials sailing with Tadhg Donnelly Photo: Bob Bateman
The regatta consisted of two qualifying flights, a repêchage and a Final. The top 3 from each flight will qualify for the Final. Those placed from 4 to 7 in a flight will be invited to compete in a 2-race repêchage series to determine who fills the last two places in the Final.
Those fighting for a place in the final tomorrow include a local favourite Robert O'Leary of the 1720 class, sailing with brother Peter, and the defending champion Michael O'Connor of the SB20 class.
All Ireland Sailing Championships 2021 - Day One Results
Flight One - All Ireland Sailing Championships 2021
Flight Two - All Ireland Sailing Championships 2021
