Here's Johnny! Crosshaven sailor sets sights on worlds

HE is considered as one of Ireland’s next generation of Olympic sailors but Johnny Durcan is concentrating fully on representing Ireland in the world sailing championships that start this weekend.

The 16-year-old Crosshaven sailor, from Point Road, has been selected in the 30-strong Irish contingent that will compete in the KBC Laser Radial Worlds 2016 Youth and Men’s Championships that takes place in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, from July 23rd to 30th.   

A member of the Irish Sailing Association’s high performance elite Sailing Academy Durcan, who sails out of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, has enjoyed competitive success abroad, most recently taking a top-ten position at the massive Laser Eurocup event in Hyeres in France.   

This is the first time he will race in a Laser Radial World competition and is following a gruelling training regime for the competition.

‘I can spend four to five hours per day on the water and train in the gym about four times every week,’ the talented Crosshaven sailor said.   

‘If I want to reach my ambition to compete in the Olympics I need to be at the top of my game and not just have skill, but mental and physical fitness as well. I’m really looking forward to the Laser world. 

‘It is another step in gaining experience to fulfilling my Olympic dream.’

350 competitors from 48 nations will compete in the competition seen as the Olympics for Lasers, a single-handed fast athletic boat, the most popular dinghy class in the world.