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| A full house of Puppeteers is confidently expected by Class Captain Suzanne Carroll for the 3-day, 6-race Puppeteer National Championships on July 24th-26th, sponsored by Sutton Cross Pharmacy (celebrating five years in business this year). Roisin McGloughlin (owner of the Puppeteer 'Toucan') and her business partner Orla Blake are no strangers to supporting HYC events, having sponsored the Lambay Race twice in the past and the Squib Nationals and Club Family Day last year. In light of the severe cuts to pharmacies by the Department of Health, their sponsorship is particularly generous and hopefully Puppeteer sailors - and other HYC members - will acknowledge that contribution with increased patronage of Sutton Cross Pharmacy. Entry forms need to be returned to event organiser Suzanne Carroll by Wednesday 22nd, with the series starting on Friday 24th with one race at 1900. That will be followed by three races on Saturday and two on Sunday, starting at 1030 each day. Courses will be set by PRO Derek Bothwell and his team from the 'Sea Wych' and in the event of protests, Emmet Dalton will head a panel comprising Neil Merry (Squib fleet) and Jonathon Wormald (Class 3 fleet). As always, Gaye Bothwell will handle the results with her usual efficiency and expertise. Former Puppeteer Richard McAllister will act as independent measurer and the measuring committee will comprise David Clarke, Neil Murphy and Gerry Kennedy. After racing on Sunday, a two-man band will entertain the crews who will be treated to a free drink before the prize-giving while an added incentive to enjoy the apr�s-sail will be a draw for over  700 worth of spot prizes!
Racing prizes will be presented to the first four boats on Scratch and Handicap, ISA medals to the first three on scratch as well as perpetual trophies to the Scratch and Handicap winners. For skipper and crews interested in a pictorial memento of the event, Gareth Craig from Fotosail.com will be covering the action afloat on Saturday and Sunday and photos will be available for purchase later. |