After years of close calls, two Irish Mirror sailors won the World Championship at Soldanha Bay, Cape Town, over the weekend. Cork's Martin Maloney and Revelin Minihane emerged first overall ahead of Australian and British boats after 10 races.
The result marks a sustained effort by Irish Mirror sailing that saw 21 boats attending the event - the largest overseas contingent which almost equalled the home turnout. Three other Irish crews made the top 10 while most managed to achieve a top-half placing in the 79-strong fleet representing the five nations where the class is mainly sailed.
The South African venue has proved lucky for the Irish as Moloney and Minihanes' result follows a good showing by Ireland's Enterprise sailors the previous week. Roy and Neil Van Maanen of Greystones SC narrowly missed taking the World title in that class, having been leading before dropping to third overall. Sean Craig and Fiona Ryan Royal St George YC) finished fifth in the 29-boat turnout.
Meanwhile in Cork this weekend, Derek Lambert and Oisin Van Gelderen lie neck and neck after round two of the Heineken-sposnsored Windsurfing Tour. The races were held in tricky conditions with the pair taking a win each. Although 27-year-old Van Gelderen is the clear favourite for yet another national title, at 44 Lambert's master status is not proving an obstacle to challenging the defender.
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