RORC IRC NATIONALS

World Class Fleet take to the Solent this weekend.

IRC National Championship
Friday 13th June – Sunday 15th June

Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club

A top class fleet brimming with world class sailors from all over Europe and as far away as Hong Kong will assemble in the Solent this weekend and there should be some cracking racing, right through the five classes. Seven races are scheduled over three days of racing around tight Solent courses. Class splits are as yet undecided but looking at the fleet there should be some high-octane action.

Whilst the spotlight will focus on the Rolex Commodores Cup competitors who will use the RORC IRC Nationals as a warm up for their big event next month. the hottest competition will probably be between the six TP52’s that have assembled in the Solent this winter. These lightweight racing machines packed with Americas Cup sailors all have similar speed and the racing should be close and very exciting.

In the early season sparring Niklas Zennstrom’s, RAN seems to have the edge over Charles Dunstone’s, RIO. Whilst Stuart Robinson’s Stay Calm is a proven competitor and Lutener & Elwood’s ,Henri Lloyd Cutting Edge has been improving all season. Joining the Solent based boats and fresh from his victory in Miami is Colm Barrington in Flash Glove. This Irish based team will be keen to make up for the gear failure, in last years windy Nationals that denied them a possible class win.

Gery Trentesaux is back to defend his class win last year but this time in his new First 45, Lady Courrier. John Shepherd’s Ker 46, Fair Do’s VII and Nick & Annie Haigh’s DK46, Dark and Steamy, have both shown good form around the cans this season. From Ireland, Tim Costello’s new Mills 43, Tiamat, is a past winner of the event. Mike Greville’s Ker 39, Erivale III is having a great season having won both the Myth of Malham and the Cervantes Trophy. All of these boats will be competing for the Rolex Commodores’ Cup next month.

Expect a close battle between some more Rolex Commodores’ Cup contenders; Eamon Rohan’s Mills 40, Blondie IV and Denise & Conor Phelan’s Ker 37, Jump Juice and also Kees Kaan’s Grand Soleil 43, ROARK.

Last year’s overall champion is back, Tim Spalding’s First 40.7, Love shack. They will do well to emulate their perfect string of seven bullets from last year; they could be racing against some top opposition including Andrew Allen’s, Mills 37, No Naked Flames and last year’s class winners; Aemon & Alan Crosbie’s Ker 32, Teng Tools (Voodoo Chile) both of these boats have travelled to the event from Ireland. Hong Kong Etchells sailor, Jamie McWilliam is competing in the J/109, Yeoman of Wight and Chris Walmsley’s Ker 31, Sanguma is a consistent performer.

Jackie and Robert Dobson’s Elan 333, Elusive, are previous class winners and have had titanic battles with Mike Tattersall’s modified X-99, Electra and Ian Braham’s MG346, Dean & Dyball Enigma. Also entered from the East Coast is David Lees’ High Tension 36, Hephzibah which has shown great form offshore this season

This year’s IRC Nationals organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club is arguably the most impressive fleet since the competition began. The stage is set for a glorious championships. Last years event was characterised by very strong winds and tough sailing conditions and the RORC will be hoping for a good mix of wind and weather conditions to decide the RORC IRC National Champion.

All competitors will be welcome at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, the Island Sailing Club, Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club and the Royal London Yacht Clubs. For details of accommodation and dining facilities please contact the individual club. Additional social arrangements will be published in the Sailing Instructions.

Results and daily reports will be posted on the Royal Ocean Racing Club web site.
http://www.rorc.org