Friday 24 November 2006

BMW round Ireland race


BMW round Ireland race
FORTIS IRC UK NATIONALS
IRC SZ
Ger O’Rourke’s Cookson 50 Chieftain was the runaway winner but surprised many by also winning in light airs which should not have suited the yachts design compared to the other competitors. Ger O’Rourke commented after racing: “I have really enjoyed the event and having the opportunity to show what Chieftain can do. Most of the crew come from West of Ireland but we were very happy to have some local talent on board. It’s just a pity that we will not be racing in the Rolex Commodores’ Cup but I understand the reasons for that. We have grand plans for the season and will be heading off to race around Ireland shortly. When I started the campaign I was planning on doing a lot of offshore sailing but after this I will definitely be racing round the cans again.”
2nd was Panthera owned by Benny Kelly and 3rd in class Kit Hobday’s Bear of Britain.