Sailing Column: It's been the talk of waterfront clubs around the country for the past year and already has overnight success around Europe and further afield.
It's cheaper than previous models, requires fewer crew and is easily road-trailed and launched. So it's hardly surprising the Laser SB3 Sportsboat has become established with 70 crews in Ireland in 12 months.
The true test of its strength begins today when the class stages its first Irish championship, sponsored by Helly Hansen, at the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire, where the Europeans will be held this time next year.
In some respects, the following the class has acquired mirrors its main predecessor a decade ago when the 1720 Sportsboat took Ireland by storm before its main popular base shifted to Britain.
But the veritable explosion in interest is what sets this fleet apart from any other class witnessed in this country.
"My view is that the SB3 will be the most competitive national championships in Ireland this year," according to Maurice O'Connell, an Irish Olympic squad contender who is crewing with European champion Jeff Carveth, from Hayling Island, South Carolina. "Most of the best sailors in Ireland will be racing this weekend."
Finn class single-hander Timothy Goodbody is the third crew-member on board.
But could there be a danger that the presence of the heavy-weights will discourage the club-level crews, as frequently happened with the 1720?
"There's a healthy balance between those who travel to the regional championships and those who prefer to just sail the local club championship," counters O'Connell. "The class already has a big enough following to keep both types of sailor happy.
"The SB3 has a lot more going for it than the 1720 because its far easier to rig and launch," says O'Connell, who was a multiple champion in the 1720. "I can tow this boat with an ordinary car and launch, but a 1720 needed a jeep, step-ladders, people to help step the mast and a crane to launch it."
Nevertheless, this weekend will focus on the leading boats, while the fleet will be split into divisions to retain an incentive for those unable to match the lofty performance levels of the Olympians and other champions. Within the class, opinion is fairly undivided: the list of strong boats is not in dispute.
While the visitor Carveth is the hot favourite, he still faces strong Irish contenders from around the country, including Ronan and Killian Collins from the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Tom Fitzpatrick from Howth, who won the Easterns three weeks ago, and Gareth Flannigan from Ballyholme.
Wildcards could still prove to be Colin Galavan from the host club and Sean Craig from Royal St George YC.
The NYC had received 40 entries by yesterday morning's post, and with up to 20 local boats expected by this morning's first race, the fleet could be between 55 and 60 boats, including a good visiting contingent from Britain checking out the venue ahead of next year's big championship.
