Mark Boylan (Skerries Sailing Club) follows in his grandfathers footsteps as he wins the coveted Mermaid in Galway. Mark, his sister Aileen and Niall Collins sailed remarkably in Joe Boylan’s boat This is It to win race 6 and 7 today, securing the overall championship. Joe, 5 times champion, last won in Zeila in 1981 (Zeila was sailed by Marks Uncle, Aidan in this years championships).Joe won 4 times in Zeila and once in Akita.
This years championship saw a slightly new format where there were 7 races rather than the normal 6. Going into race 7 Jim Carthy (Rush Sailing Club) in Vee was ahead by 0.25 points. But Mark ensured his win by winning race 7 with Jim in 4th. Jim finished 2nd overall. In third place was Paul Smith in Jill (Royal irish Yacht Club). Paul has had his best ever championship with a 1st and a 2nd on day 1 of the championship. Paul sailed very consistently all week to secure 3rd place.