Gutsy Browne beats gusts to claim crown and ticket to New Zealand

STRONG winds and heavy seas prematurely ended this year’s ISA Mitsubishi Youth National Championships at Dun Laoghaire yesterday.

The swelling conditions tested the 250-plus entries but the top crews still managed to rise to the fore — with south coast crews dominant.

Sophie Browne from Tralee Bay Sailing Club topped the 50-plus contenders in the Optimist Class and will travel to New Zealand in December to take part in the World Championships.

Patrick and Chloe Crosbie from the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC) won the three-way tie-break in the 420 class that saw Aodh Kennedy and Daniel Browne take second ahead of Emma Geary and Niamh Connolly.

Philip Doran’s performance in the Laser Radial fleet on Sunday copper-fastened his claim to the national title and three wins on what would be the final day served to extend the Courtown sailor’s lead to 11 points over Strangford’s Robbie Gilmore.

Sophie Murphy from Quoile YC won the girl’s championship and qualifies to represent Ireland at the youth worlds in Croatia this summer.

Meanwhile, Seafra Guilfoyle from the RCYC won the Laser 4.7 class.