McNaughton wins national championship

CORA McNaughton and Sean Cronin overcame a disqualification to become Irish champions by winning the 2023 International 420 National Championships at Dunmore East, Waterford.

Old Bawn native McNaughton, and her crew Cronin, came through three intense races on an Olympic triangle course to seize the prestigious silverware.

While the victory alone is a huge achievement, it is made all the sweeter with the knowledge that McNaughton has followed in the footsteps of her mother Paula and aunt Nuala.

Nuala and Paula McGrogan stormed to the 420 National Championship in August of 1990, winning after settling a tie, under class rules, in “favour of the boat with the lesser discard”, according to the 420 News at the time.

Now, 23-years nearly to the day, Cora glided to the same feat to essentially bring the trophy back to the family home.

Disturbed sea conditions and excessive windspeeds sent the fleet of boats ashore after one race last Friday and the races were cancelled on the Saturday due to persistent rough sea conditions.

When Sunday rolled around, there were large rolling waves with a perfect 13-20 knot breeze allowing the 420 boats to get back on the water at Waterford Harbour.

McNaughton, who races out of Blessington Sailing Club, and her crew Cronin, had it all to do after getting a black flag disqualification in the first race.

The 15-year-old, racing in the 420 boat called Ice Cold, finished in pole position in the Gold Fleet to become national champion for 2023, ahead of Galway Bay Sailing Club duo Sean Lemonier and Killian Mathieu in second place.

McNaughton will now represent the 420 Class at the upcoming Irish Sailing Junior Champions’ Cup 2023, which is scheduled for the end of September in Schull, Co Cork.

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