Lough Derg Yacht Club hosts thrilling Squib National Championships

In a dramatic conclusion to the Irish Squib National Championships held at Lough Derg Yacht Club this month, sailors Tom Jeffcoate and Mark Hogan, saboard Ric O'Shea (136), clinched the title with a decisive victory in the final race.

The event, hosted by a well-prepared Lough Derg Yacht Club, drew a highly competitive fleet of 42 boats and culminated in a weekend of thrilling racing.

The UK-based duo entered the final day in a tie with the defending Irish champions, Micheal O Suilleabhain and Michael O'Sullivan of Kinsale YC. However, Jeffcoate and Hogan demonstrated their prowess under pressure, securing a crucial win when it mattered most to finish the championship with 22 points. This victory marks a return to the top for the pair, who previously won the Chris Hogan Memorial Trophy three years ago.

The defending champions, sailing Mucky Duck had put up a formidable defence, leading the fleet after five races with two wins on Saturday. They ultimately finished in a very respectable second place. The podium was completed by Ross Kearney and Terry Rowan from the Royal North of Ireland YC on Dogwatch, who sailed a consistent series to take third with 28 points.

The success of the championships was underpinned by organisation and key partnerships. Prolift Handling played a significant operational role, going beyond financial sponsorship. The company supplied and manages the club crane, equipped with a wireless remote control, which proved essential for the safe and efficient launching and recovery of the 42-keelboat fleet.

Lough Derg YC also extends its gratitude to sponsors Water Technology Limited, Viking Surveys, Batt & Hyde Sails, and Reggie Goodbody for their generous support, which was instrumental in the successful hosting of this prestigious national event. The championship showcased Lough Derg as a premier inland sailing venue, with its stunning scenery and reliable conditions providing the perfect stage for the highly competitive Squib class. The local fleet, which has grown to over 30 boats since its establishment in 2012, was well-represented, demonstrating the strength of Squib sailing on Lough Derg. The event was a testament to the enduring appeal of the Squib, that has been a mainstay of sailing since the 1970s.