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.