Mixed Crews Shine as Atara Takes 1720 Nationals Title at Howth Yacht Club
The 2025 1720 Nationals delivered a thrilling spectacle over three days of racing (August 21–23), with a full schedule of nine races testing the fleet in a variety of conditions. Hosted by Howth Yacht Club, the event provided extremely close competition across the fleet.
The event was sailed to the north/west of Ireland eye which provided an excellent racecourse despite the prevailing light winds. Race management was expertly provided by the HYC team on-board the new HYC committee boat “Northstar” led by PRO Neil Murphy.
Race conditions
While not giving planing conditions, which the 1720 revels in, the fleet enjoyed “shorts and t-shirts” sailing for most of the 3 days in light breeze and sunshine.
Day 1 (Aug 21): Light north easterlies (7-9 kts) which eventually appeared after a delayed start.
Day 2 (Aug 22): Lighter westerly winds in the morning switching to easterly 10 to 12 knots by afternoon.
Day 3 (Aug 23): Light/variable easterly breeze gradually building throughout the day.
2025 National Champions – Rope Dock Atara (Sail No. 2000)
Owner: Ross and Aoife McDonald
Club: Howth Yacht Club
Helm: Ross McDonald
Tactics & Strategy: Lisa Tait & Eve McMahon
Bow: Aoife English
Trimmers: Dylan Gannon, Paddy Good
Rope Dock Atara’s campaign was a masterclass in consistency and tactical brilliance. With three female sailors on-board — Lisa, Eve, and Aoife — the team showcased the strength of mixed crews at the highest level.
Atara team: Aoife English, Paddy Good, Lisa Tait, Class Captain Robert Dix, Ross Mac Donald, Eve McMahon, Dylan Gannon
LemonChello team – HYC (Robert Dix) – Nett: 25.0
Dutch Gold Team – Kinsale YC (Michael O'Sullivan) – Nett: 31.0
Notably each of the top three boats had female sailors on-board, reflecting the growing levels of female sailing talent across the Irish sailing scene and the 1720 class.
The silver prize went to Ben Scallan (WHBTC) and his team on “El Diablo”.
The youth prize went to the Galway Bay sailing club u21 team on “Cranky pants”.
The fleet featured a mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent, with boats representing clubs from Galway Bay SC, Royal Irish YC, Royal Cork YC, Lough Ree, HYC, Waterford Harbour, Wexford Harbour, Kinsale YC and Baltimore SC.
The event was proudly sponsored by Rope Dock, whose support helped elevate the championship both on and off the water.
Looking Ahead
With the Nationals wrapped up, the 1720 fleet now turns its attention to the final event of the season at the Royal Ulster Yacht club in late September and early planning for 2026. Rope Dock Atara’s win sets a high bar, but the depth of talent across the fleet promises exciting battles ahead.
Race Report by Aodhan Fitzgerald
Photo Gallery credit Annraoi Blaney