Burrows takes control in testing conditions

It has been billed as Ireland's grand prix racing class for its annual championship in Kinsale Yacht Club yet the bulk of its annual programme caters for average club-level sailors. However, in its five years of existence, the 1720 Sportsboat has managed to attract both types of competitor where in other classes, the two do not always mix so easily.

Over three days this week, the Cork Dry Gin 1720 Nationals has a fleet of 30-plus boats in action with the helms of many of the boats reading like a who's who of Irish sailing. After yesterday's start, two-time Olympian David Burrows has taken the lead with two top-five results in the tricky conditions off the Old Head of Kinsale.

However, a hallmark of this class, particularly in heavy weather, is the unpredictable nature of the 1720 results. Since its inception, Mark Mansfield has been to the fore, earning his unofficial title as the class supremo through his intimate knowledge of his boat.

Marshall King, helming Max McMullan's On All Fours from Howth, is another Olympic veteran from 1996 and he scored a win in the second race yesterday. Yet to make her Olympic debut, but aiming for Athens in 2004, is Laura Dillon, who shares a penchant with Mansfield for winning the Helmsman Championship title.

Other contenders in the class include Maria Coleman, Bill O'Hara and John Driscoll. On the face of it, such a line-up might present a daunting prospect to the ordinary club Sportsboat sailor, especially if some helms are brought in for major events such as this one.

In Ireland, a strong class structure has allowed the 1720s to find an acceptable level for all to avoid costly design changes. A recent decision by the class to limit the amount of away events to maintain enthusiasm for local club-level competition appears to have paid off. Last week's Dublin Dockland's Liffey Series almost trebled the previous year's turnout.

In such a structured arena, the best sailors in Ireland are certain to find a true challenge. So does the class fit the bill of grand prix? That depends on your perspective. Mansfield feels it does. Others, such as Dragon sailors, might disagree. Similar levels of fleet size and competition exist there.

In Kinsale in 10 days' time, the Sovereign's Cup will not include the class purely to allow key Dragon sailors to act as race officials, such is the level of expertise there. Others might point to the younger aspect of the Sportsboats, reflecting the youth profile of Olympic sailing that is present in the fleet.