Today is the first day of the 2013 Mirror Nationals here in Lough Derg and Sutton Dinghy Club has 4 boats on the start line. (70562) Conor Twohig/Matthew Cotter, (70620)Sinead Dickson/Eve McMahon, (70428) Shane McLoughlin/Ben Jennings and (70181) David Johnston/Rory McEvoy.

The first race has completed here at the Mirror Nationals with 4 Sutton boats in the field of 66 and it looks like all 4 Sutton boats are in top 30 or so.

The Worlds next week have an entry of 89 but the Nationals here has representatives from South Africa, Great Britain, Australia, Canada and Philipines. So a great experience for our young sailors.

First race was sailed in about 8 to 12 knots of breeze. A little cooler than previous days so far more pleasant conditions.

The 2nd race was delayed with 3 attempts to start before a U flag put a bit of manners on the fleet. Even then a big wind-shift forced PRO to flag an altered course at end of the first run.

Shane/Ben had a great race finishing 16th leaving them lead Sutton boat in 17th overall and 7th Irish. Very flukey and shifty breeze made for difficult conditions and the other 3 Sutton boats all finished in top half of the fleet. Sinead/Eve lie 24th, Conor/Matthew in 27th and David/Rory in their first Mirror event together lie 33rd.

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Top of the fleet is Ridgeley Balladares (Philipines), the runner-up at 2011 Mirror Worlds with victory in both races yesterday. Alfie Wisdom from Lough Derg YC lies 2nd and first Irish after a couple of second places.