Students set sail

Students from Schull Community College are representing Ireland at The British Schools Team Racing Championships which began yesterday at the West Kirby Sailing Club outside of Liverpool.

Teams faced difficult early morning conditions with strong winds, which suited the heavier crews.

The US and British champions were quick to show as formidable opposition, winning each of their races in the morning session.

Schull had the perfect start against Tonbridge, winning in a 1, 2, 3 formation with Darragh O’Connor/Patrick Hegarty first over the line from Simon Murray/David Barnett and Fintan Kearney/John O’Regan in third place. Stiffer competition was to follow as the team met Sevenoaks (GB), Hotchkiss (US) and Norwich (GB) in the following three races, which they lost after some good racing.

Confidence was restored in the afternoon with excellent wins over West Kirby, Magdalin College and Radley College.

This puts the West Cork boys in a reasonable position to qualify for the semi-finals, although winning each of the remaining six races is a must to ensure qualification.