Irish J24 Nationals 2012 – Event Report

Jamais Encore, driven by JP Mc Caldin won the 2012 J24 National Championships in Lough Ree Yacht Club at the weekend. After 5 races on the first day the top 3 boats, Jamais Encore, Stouché & Kilcullen-Euro Car Parks were on 9,10 & 11 points respectively, with the top of the chasing pack on 15,16,20 & 21. All to play for going in to the 2nd day, though Jamias Encore’s super consistent sailing meant she was only discarding a 3rd.

Day 2 started with glorious sunshine & very light winds which delayed the start. Race Officer Derek Bothwell made the most of the tricky conditions to get 3 more excellent races in, with the final placings for the top 4 boats only being decided in the last race. Going into the 8th & final race Jamais Encore & Crazyhorse were tied on 21 points with Kilcullen Euro Car Parks on 23 points & Stouché on 25 points. 3rd place was enough to seal victory for Jamais Encore as Crazyhorse only managed an 8th place finish to drop to 3rd overall behind Stouché on a countback.