The first race of the 2014 Howth 17 National Championships proved to be a difficult test for many of the boats and crews, due to very light wind in Howth Sound on Friday evening. 14 of Howth's famous one-design racing keelboats are challenging for this year's top prize in their championships which will see a further 4 races on Saturday.

Peter Courtney and his crew on 'Oona' chose to start against the stronger tide on the outer end of the start line, but found themselves with enough clear wind to forge an early lead ahead of the chasing pack. However, the regular sequence of events was disrupted when Ian Sheridan's  'Erica' (with Fred Connolly at he helm) stole the lead and held on to win by a short length after the course was shortened by race officer Scorie Walls at the Spit Mark.

The racing continues all day Saturday and with much more wind forecasted, it promises to be another fascinating event.

See results: here