RCYC duo book ‘worlds’ spot

Patrick Crosbie and Grattan Roberts sealed their place in the Irish Sailing Association squad for this Summer’s ISAF Youth World Championships, sponsored by Four Star Pizza, after they placed best of the home fleet in the 420 class national championship at the weekend.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club duo finished in eighth place after 11 races in four days on Dublin Bay for the Mitsubishi Youth Nationals.

A record turnout for the annual event was boosted by overseas competitors that travelled to Ireland to familiarise themselves with Dublin Bay ahead of the world championships in July.

Two days of light winds were followed by up to 20 knots at times on Saturday from a chilly Siberian northerly wind. Yesterday saw the breeze ease gradually though hail showers maintained the testing conditions.

The three other places on the national squad were also announced at the end of racing yesterday.

A knife-edge result that depended on the final race of the series saw Finn Lynch of the National Yacht Club seal his place for July after defeating Robbie Gilmore from Strangford Lough who led going into the final day.

But two race wins yesterday for the local sailor earned him the spot plus first place in the 68-boat class.

Sophie Murphy was best of the girls amongst the LaserRadial single-handers so she joins Lynch and the Crosshaven duo while the 29er skiff place is filled by Sean and Tadgh Donnelly, also of the National YC.

Irish team for Four Star Pizza ISAF Youth World Championship 2012

Laser Radial Boy: Finn Lynch (National YC)

Laser Radial Girl: Sophie Murphy (Quoile YC)

420 Boys: Patrick Crosbie & Grattan Roberts (Royal Cork YC)

29er: Sean & Tadhg Donnelly (National YC).