At the start of this weekend Stefan Hyde said his favourite sailing moment

was classic boat racing in west Cork on a sunny day but coming ashore to a

fanfare at the National Yacht Club, Hyde noted that, this tops a fantastic

12 months of sailing 3 national titles, one world cup and now the All

Irelands.

Sailor of the Month last year (Nov 06), with Russell Treacy, and a member

of the Trinity College Dublin sailing team that currently holds the Student

Yachting World Cup, Stefan Hyde represented the J24 class in this 60th All

Ireland Sailing Championship. A member of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, 25

year old Stefan Hyde raced the new SailFleet J80s with Daire OReilly and

Declan McManus.

A lack of wind and sea fog delayed racing in the Championship, posing

challenges for race officials however their patience was rewarded as

lunchtime saw the breeze start to fill in. In the end, a light north

easterly fading breeze saw the Junior & Girls racing just off Seapoint,

while the senior fleet raced further out in the Bay. Racing was abandoned

after one race but it was enough to decide the title holders.

The 2007 Junior All Ireland Champion is Chris Penny (Carrickfergus Sailing

Club & East Antrim Boat Club) who is also a member of the ISA Youth

Academy. A delighted Penny exclaimed, It was only when I got ashore that

it sunk in.

Local girl Annalise Murphy, from the National Yacht Club, is delighted to

claim the title of All Ireland Girl Champion. Murphy received a wildcard

invitation to compete based on her recent performances while campaigning

for the Olympic Games in the Laser Radial Class.

All Ireland Sailing Championship 2007 Final Results

Senior Champion

1. S Hyde; 2. M OConnell; 3. T Fitzpatrick

Junior Champion

1. C Penny; 2. A McLaverty; 3. B Lynch

Girl Champion

1. A Murphy; 2. T Brien; 3. K White

http://www.sailing.ie/allireland/