Howth Yacht Club's interest in this year's Olympic Regatta at Weymouth has just doubled with the news that, in addition to David Burrows (who has already qualified in the Star Class as crew with Peter O'Leary), another HYC member Scott Flanigan has also qualified in the International 470 Class with his helm Ger Owens.
After three days of racing at the 470 Worlds in Barcelona, Ger and Scott lie 24th overall following a 10th and a 13th in their two races on Tuesday. The 95-boat fleet has now been split into gold, silver and bronze fleets, with the Irish crew now in the gold fleet, guaranteeing that they cannot fall lower than the 7th required nation, thus securing their place in the Games.
James O'Callaghan, ISA Performance Director, remarked "Ger and Scott fully deserve this. They sailed a great qualifying series to secure qualification early. It means we now have a 5-boat Irish team going to London which is a great achievement".
Like David, Scott also has a close association with our neighbours Malahide Yacht Club, both having learned to sail on the Broadmeadows as juniors. It is David's fourth Games while Scott will be one of the youngest - if not the youngest - sailor at the Olympic Regatta.
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