Dinghy Championships wide open

More than 30 entrants are gathering in the Moray Firth this weekend for the British and Irish National 18ft Dinghy Championships which begin tomorrow at Findhorn.

The field is wide open with current champion Tom Crosbie from the Royal Cork Yacht Club not competing.

Competitors from Cork, the Isle of Man, the Tamesis Yacht Club in Middlesex will be challenging local boats from the Royal Findhorn Yacht Club.

Among the favourites are Mike Dwyer from Cork in 355, Final Fling; Davie O’Connell from Monkstown Bay in 331, Ball n’Chain and Mike Kneale from the Isle of Man in 332, Gorrum. Best Findhorn hopes lie with Martin Cruden, Phil Hermiston and Ali Davis in 337, Jaffica or Stuart Richard and David Urquhart in 344, Don’t Worry.

The week-long Championship alternates between Cork, the Isle of Man, England and Findhorn.