The IRC Welsh National Championships have once again been held at Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and event Centre, with race management by Clwb Hwylio Pwllheli Sailing Club and the Royal Dee Yacht Club, and enjoyed excellent sailing conditions over the three days.
IRC Class - Windward mark - photo by Stuart Trunkfield
The three day championship consisted of an IRC class competing for the Welsh National Champion title, and a cruiser class racing under the progressive NHC rating system.
The event got underway with a Commodores reception on the deck at Plas Heli on Thursday, and a great BBQ party with the Jac Dobson a’r band on Friday evening
The IRC class enjoyed three days of racing a variety of courses, managed by the RDYC from the Royal Dee committee boat Bacardee, in mainly light north westerly winds
In form Mojito, fresh from an IRC Coastal class win at Cork, started the regatta with a win in race one, and continued to win 5 more races out of the 9 races sailed. Second place was last years winner Imposter (Richard Fildes), with Darling XX (Stephen Williams) 3rd
The NHC class enjoyed 6 races, managed by the PSC race management team from the PSC bridge, around the clubs fixed marks and St Tudwals Islands. This class had very close racing with the progressive handicap system working well. Quattro (Avril banks) and Crud y Awel (Pete Driver) tied the class going into the last day, with Quattro (Avril Banks) winning the NHC cruiser class after a fine win in the last race
The final day and overall prizegiving was conducted on the deck at Plas Heli in glorious sunshine, with prizes and trophies presented by PSC Commodore Gerallt Williams, and RDYC Commodore Charlie Jones.
We thank our sponsors Firmhelm, Plas Heli, Tudor and Co, CHPSC and RDYC for their generous support, and thanks also to the volunteers who made the event such a success.
