Day 1 of the SB20 Irish Championships: A Battle for the Top
After an intense first day of racing, the crew of Ted, led by the mighty trio of Michael O’Connor, Davy Taylor and Edward Cook, have taken the lead. But hold on – they’re not getting too comfortable, because Bád/Kilcullen from RIYC, helmed by Jerry Dowling, with Stefan Hyde and James Dowling aboard, is hot on their heels with the exact same number of points! It’s neck and neck at the top – the battle for glory was on.
After three races the fight for the third was just as fierce, with Big Smoke, crewed by the dynamic team of Paddy McGrath, Tom Higgins, and Charlie Quigley, keeping the pressure on the leaders. Over in the Silver Fleet, Big Smoke is also showing their might, sitting comfortably in first place. But they’re being chased by the skilled crew of Bango – Ben Graf, Kevin Fenton, and John McGonigle – in second, and Provident C.R.M with John Malone, Aodhan Malone, and Colm Cunningham rounding out third.
Day 2 of the SB20 Irish Championships 2024: Champagne Sailing and Tight Racing
Saturday delivered some stunning champagne conditions, with a 13-17 knot north-easterly breeze providing plenty of high-speed planing action. The competition was fierce, but it was IRL 3809 Ted, skippered by Michael O’Connor with crew Davy Taylor and Edward Cook, who dominated the day. With two wins out of three races, they solidified their lead, now sitting 4 points ahead of Bád/Kilcullen IRL 3741, helmed by Jerry Dowling alongside Stefan Hyde and James Dowling.
Golddigger 3044, crewed by Mel Collins, Aidan Mac Sweeny, and Harry Pritchard, made a leap into third place, turning up the heat as we head into the final day! Over in the Silver Fleet, The Big Smoke IRL 3320 (Patrick McGrath, Tom Higgins, and Charlie Quigley) is still holding strong at the top, fending off the challenge from Provident C.R.M 3040 (John Malone, Aodhan Malone, Colm Cunningham) in second. Bango 3065 (Ben Graf, Kevin Fenton, John McGonigle) rounds out the top three. With so much at stake and some big moves already in play, Sunday was shaping up to be an epic final day of racing.
Day 3 – the grand finale
The SB20 Irish Championships has wrapped up in a spectacular fashion and the unstoppable crew of TED on IRL 3809 (RStGYC), helmed by none other than Michael O’Connor, with the trusty duo of Davy Taylor and Edward Cook have topped the leaderboard, yet again, one more time. These guys are basically SB20 royalty now, clinching their fifth title!
But, oh boy, the drama was real behind them! In a nail-biting finish, Golddigger (IRL 3044), led by Mel Collins (RCYC/LRYC), pulled off an epic race to secure second place, just one single point ahead of Bád/Kilcullen (IRL 3741). Jerry Dowling, Stefan Hyde, and James Dowling fought tooth and nail for every gust of wind, but in the end, it wasn’t quite enough to steal silver from Golddigger. These sailors didn’t just race; they gave us a show! Full throttle on the water, and now it’s time to raise a glass (or five) to the champions and the close contenders.
Until next year, sailors! Here’s to fast boats, fierce battles, and new rivalries brewing on the horizon!
Words: Grzegorz Kalinecki, SB20 Ireland
Photos: Tomasz Szpądrowski