THE Manx boat ‘Crossfire’ - crewed by Anthony Ellis, Michael Wilson and Nigel Collins - has emerged as the winners of the National 18’ Championship after four days of racing.
The series, which took place off the southern coast of the Island, was held over 10 races between Tuesday 27th and Friday 30th, last week. The winners faced tight competition but emerged victorious on the final day of the competition.
“It’s better than finding the holy grail”, said Anthony Ellis, helm of Crossfire.
Michael Kneale, Commodore of the Yacht Club, added, “It has been a great week for everyone involved, especially for a manx boat to pull off this exciting victory. We are really glad that we could host this event, and IOMA have our deepest thanks for their sponsorship. It was especially meaningful for us as we celebrate our 100th year on the Island.”
The championships were sponsored by IOMA, one of the Island’s largest independent financial services groups, as part of the Isle of Man Yacht Club’s centenary year celebrations.
The Isle of Man Yacht Club, who hosted the event in Port St Mary, put on entertainment throughout the week, including Celtic music nights, BBQs and an awards dinner. IOMA Group friends and clients were invited to meet the competitors on the Friday afternoon and see some racing on the water.
Nigel Wood, managing director of IOMA Group, commented: “IOMA has a tradition of sponsoring sailing events on the Island. We think events like this are great fun for the local community, and we are proud that we can play a part in making them happen. Everyone here at IOMA would like to congratulate Crossfire on their terrific success.”
He added, “We are drawn to sailing because we feel it exhibits the spirit of teamwork and adventure which also underpins IOMA as a company, and which helps us to hold steady and weather storms while maintaining a truly dynamic momentum (good boat speed!)”
IOMA Group has strong links with sailing on the island. Their Director of Investment Management, Russell Collister, was the Race Officer for the championship and together with his wife June has an impressive track record of competition at national level.
The IOMA founders were also heavily involved in The Manx Millennium Viking Voyage in 1979 from Norway to the Island to commemorate the Millennium of Tynwald.
