Gonzaga retain Leinster Schools title

Conditions were more like May than January for this years event. Sunny and very mild weather with a perfect 10 knots of wind greeted the 14 school teams from 11 schools around Leinster. Racing was held just off the pontoon in the Royal St George Yacht Club.

The Team Racing format was used and it was obvious how enjoyable this was by looking at the smiles on the competitors faces. Racing was tight between the teams and with races only taking 6-7 minutes each, there were plenty of chances to improve and learn from each other.

Unforunately winds died to only a couple of knots after lunch, but thanks to very efficient race management from Graham Elmes, Conal Casey ( members of the Irish World Team Racing team ) and Gareth Craig we still managed to race 32 of the 45 scheduled races. With on the water umpiring from Ailbe Millerick, Ian Sergent, Ed Alcock and Vincent Delany, results were final as teams arrived back to shore. As the full series was not completed, results were calculated using race countback and scores. In the end Gonzaga won on a count back from Wesley College. Third place went to a delighted Gorey first team, who upset the odds beating one of the pre event favourites Blackrock in one of the last races of the day. Fourth place and the final National Championships place went to Belvedere.

These teams will now represent the region in the National Championships in Schull over the weekend of 8th and 9th April. Thanks go to all teachers, parents and sailors for making the event such a great success. Special thanks must also go to Emma Beamish and all at the Royal St George Yacht Club for providing boats and facilties.