Royal Cork's James Dwyer Matthews and Ben O'Shaughnessy are lying sixth overall after two races sailed at the 2021 29er European Championship on Lake Garda.

The youth duo opened the championships with a race win on Saturday and followed it up with a seventh in race two of a massive two hundred boat fleet. (Download the results sheet below).

Dwyer Matthews and O'Shaughnessy previously recorded a top 15 finish at the 29er World Championships in Spain in September. 

Mixed Italian pairing of Federica Contardi and Giorgio Mattiuzzo lead from the UK's Leo Wilkinson and Sam Jones. Third is Hungary's Toth Attila and Borda Levente.

Five Irish boats are racing in Italy.

The Royal Irish Yacht Club's Tim Norwood and Nathan Van Steenberge are currently lying 25th. Royal St. George's Emily and Jessica Riordan are 77th. Lauren O' Callaghan and Fiona Ferguson of the National Yacht Club lie 97th and Clementine van Steenberge and Chiara Carra are 100th. (Download the results sheet after two races below).

Prizes will be awarded for the Eurocup final series and the European Championship.

Garrett Leech reports on the inaugural Youth Double Handed Sailing Symposium was held at Lough Ree Yacht Club last weekend.

Just over 60 sailors from all over Ireland descended on the Club Saturday morning for this anticipated event, many not really understanding what lay in store for them but liking the sound of what they had heard! There were 31 boats and the fleets consisted of 420, 29er, Mirror & RS Feva. Event organiser, Garrett Leech had dreamed up the concept during the Summer and it began slowly to take shape. Most Youth fleets have the opportunity to receive coaching, normally the Coach sets out the objectives for the on-the-water activity to the group, it is then executed on the water and there is normally a debrief ashore to discuss how things went.

The Symposium was not supposed to be this, it was conceived firstly to bring together the main double-handed Youth fleets, as a larger sailing family & to promote mutual appreciation of each other’s classes. Single-handed dinghy sailing is relatively safe in Ireland with the Laser & Topper’s, commanding large fleets at events, double handed racing probably needs a bit more attention.

The next objective of the gathering was to try and address the more fundamental issues that arise in competitive racing and then specifically, double handed racing whilst getting the participants to think through the issues. What else could be done but to gather the best Coaches in Ireland to Lough Ree! The inimitable David Harte, late of FMOEC, Schull, immediately bought into the concept and took the lead. As did Graeme Grant, Honorary Irish man, and Life Coach! Graeme travelled from Germany to attend. Olympic Sailor, Robert Dickson who arrived in from Marseille on the Friday evening, travelled down, joined by Cara McDowell (Malahide Yacht Club) who is well known for her dedication in promoting/coaching double handed racing, in particular, the 420 fleet.

Ceremonies were opened by means of “Ice Breaker’s” developed by Graeme & Cara which sought to break down barriers between the diverse fleets, ages & geographic dispersion. Graeme’s enthusiasm in particular, was enough to melt icecaps! By the time proceedings kicked off, there was a relaxed atmosphere. The modules that David Harte had prepared got the kids thinking, interaction was encouraged and there were break out groups where crews discussed issues such as improving communications & how to set realistic goals for themselves, facilitated by the Coaches. The classroom-based modules included (amongst others) the following:

• Setting Individual Goals & Objectives
• The Importance of Self Coaching
• Partnership & Good Communication
•  How to “Iron out issues”
•  Learning to Lose, Learning to Win

Robert Dickson spoke at length about his “Journey” to becoming an Olympic Skiff Sailor with Sean. He connected well with the kids and they waited on his every word, from Rob & Sean’s many early defeats to winning the Youth Championships in 2018 and of course, the Tokyo Olympics. Many were unaware that Rob had learned to sail at Lough Ree Yacht Club. His talk neatly led into the “Learning to Lose, Learning to Win” presentation. You would have been forgiven if you thought you had walked in on an IMI Programme for kids, lots of life skills!

The on-the-water activity was also with a difference, first thing was to practice what the kids had learned in the “Importance of Self Coaching”. Then David & the Coaches had the Sailors swapping positions (Helm/Crew), so as appreciate the difference in their roles but also swapping fleets where 420 Sailors quickly learned to appreciate the importance of balance/trim! And 29er Sailors to cope with the array of strings & a symmetrical spinnaker!

The weekend culminated on Sunday with racing but of course nothing ordinary! David Harte ran two races under Average Lap Time (Portsmouth Yardstick), 30 boats off the same start line and sailing around a square directly outside the Club House! It was exciting to watch and no boats were damaged in the making of the movie! Thankfully, the wind was light (though the 29er Sailors might not have agreed!) and the overall victory went to 420 Sailors, Alex Leech & Conor Paul of Lough Ree Yacht Club.

A big thanks to the Coaches; Dave Harte, Graeme Grant, Rob Dickson & Cara McDowell. The experience that Dave & Graeme (in particular) brought to the weekend was fantastic, these guys are a lot more than sailing coaches.

The feedback from the event was very positive, it is likely that the event will be run again next year.

A group of enthusiastic young sailors have come together for the first meeting of RYA Northern Ireland's Youth Forum at Ballyholme Yacht Club.

RYA Northern Ireland identified youth engagement as a key area for the organisation, and this strand of work was carried forward by former Chair of RYA Northern Ireland, Jackie Patton. The Forum began in 2019 as a pilot project, and following its success, it has now been officially launched.

The first of its kind within RYA, youth representatives from clubs across Northern Ireland will work together as part of the organisation to help drive the sport forward whilst developing their leadership and personal skills.

At the meeting, the new participants and junior leaders were confirmed, and the group took part in ice breakers, as well as discussing their goals for the year ahead. Olympians Ryan Seaton and his wife Jena Mai Seaton also joined the group online for a Q&A session about their career and future plans.

RYA Northern Ireland Youth Forum Co-ordinator Jackie Patton is leading the Youth Forum. She said: "It is a delight to work with such an enthusiastic and dedicated group of young people on the RYA Northern Ireland Youth Forum. They are our future leaders and will ensure our sport carries on for many years, and I am confident we are in safe hands. It is fantastic to hear all of their ideas and plans, and I look forward to seeing these come to fruition over the course of the next year."

Susan McKnight, Chair of RYA Northern Ireland, said: "The RYA Northern Ireland Board was delighted to continue the RYA Northern Ireland Youth Forum this year.

"The voice of young people in our sport is paramount alongside the current committees, clubs and participants to help develop and progress the organisation."

The full list of new participants and junior leaders is included below:

New participants:

• Louise Leonard (Carrickfergus Sailing Club)
• George Turkington (Coleraine Yacht Club)
• Emily Dickson (Donaghadee Sailing Club)
• Lara Killen (East Down Yacht Club)
• Matthew Loughlin (Coleraine Yacht Club)
• Rose Kelly (East Down Yacht Club)

Junior Leaders

• Charlie O'Malley (Donaghadee Sailing Club)
• Cody Halliday (Strangford Lough Yacht Club)
• Autumn Halliday (Strangford Lough Yacht Club)
• Charlotte Eadie (Donaghadee Sailing Club and Ballyholme Yacht Club)
• Caitlyn Eadie (Donaghadee Sailing Club and Ballyholme Yacht Club)
• Holly McConnell (County Antrim Yacht Club)

A huge fleet of 121 dinghies took to the waters of Belfast Lough from Carrickfergus Sailing Club on the north shore on Saturday and Sunday (11th and 12th) for the Royal Yachting Association NI Youth Championships. The 137 youth sailors came from all over Ireland, racing in seven categories over two courses. The Championships was an Open event with RYANI special performance prizes.

The weather was kind, albeit perhaps not enough wind for some and competitors who had three races in light and variable conditions on Day 1 with four races for the ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 fleets. Wind shifts were plentiful, and some sailors were alert enough to see them coming. On Sunday, with the wind dropping, there was a delayed start and Race Officers Robin Gray and Sheela Lewis then managed to complete a single race for each class.

The massive dinghy fleet prepares to go afloat on Saturday morning

There were six regatta fleet races over the weekend with coaches Dave Nelson, Chris and Jessica Penney delivering training as part of the event. The fleet was a mix of Topper 4.2s and ILCA 4s but it was the Toppers from Lough Erne YC who dominated the score sheet with Charlie Valentine 1st, Emily Torrens 2nd and Ben McCaldin third.

In the seven-strong Optimist fleet at the end of the first day, Matthew Holden from Ballyholme YC on Belfast Lough and Freddie Doig from East Antrim BC on Larne Lough were tied on 5 points, but Doig's first and second on the Sunday gave him first overall by one point.

The largest turnout came in the Topper 5.3 group with 34 on the line. Here Bobby Driscoll of Royal North started with three bullets, stamping his domination right away. In second was Luke Simpson from the County Antrim YC, a few miles east of Carrickfergus, eight points behind on 11. Another first for Driscoll in Race 4 gave him a clean run which couldn't be beaten and Simpson had to be satisfied with second place.

The smaller Topper 4.2 fleet at 10 strong, provided closer racing with another CAYC sailor, Calum Pollard scoring two seconds and sixth to lead overnight narrowly from Hugo Boyd of Ballyholme. In the end Boyd tied with Pollard with the tie split in Boyd's favour.

Daniel Palmer of BYC, Male Youth champion

Daniel Palmer from Ballyholme began emphatically, scoring three firsts in the 18 strong ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7) fleet. After the second day, Palmer had the title sewn up with another two bullets. Lucy Ives of Carlingford Lough YC who counted two seconds, a third and a fourth finished runner up.

Ellen Barbour of County Antrim YC and East Antrim BC, Female Youth champion

Of the 23 competitors in the ILCA 6 (Laser Radial ) after four races, Tom Coulter of East Antrim came away with a winning score of 5 points. Ellen Barbour of County Antrim YC and East Antrim discarded a 20th but held onto the runner up slot with Hannah Dadley-Young from Ballyholme in third.

Katie Brow of Ballyholme YC, Female Junior Champion

In the only two-handed fleet, the 29ers, most of the competitors came from Southern clubs and it was three of these who finished top three overall. And it was this fleet who prove to be too eager to cross the line at the start of the fourth race – so much so that ten of the 16 were Black Flagged. Timothy Norwood and Nathan van Steenberge of Royal Irish in Dun Laoghaire were able to discard the Black Flag score of 17 and finished comfortably ahead of Emily and Jessica Riordan of the neighbouring club, Royal St. George.

Lauren McDowell and Erin McIlwaine of Newcastle YC and Royal North in the 29er skiff

Larne Grammar were winners of the Schools Trophy

RYA Northern Ireland's High Performance Manager, Andrew Baker, commented: "It was fantastic to be at Carrickfergus Sailing Club for the RYA Northern Ireland Youth Championships. The venue was excellent, and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone at the Club for their hard work and enthusiasm to ensure the weekend was such a success. It has been another challenging year for sport and I am delighted that we were able to run this event and I thank everyone for adhering to all COVID guidelines that were set in place". He added: "All of the sailors have done themselves proud this weekend and we are looking forward to seeing their progression as they continue to train throughout the year."

Tom Coulter of East Antrim BC, winner of the ILCA 6 prize

The championship prizes were, of course, all awarded to Northern Ireland boats.

Royal Yachting Association NI Youth Championships Overall Awards

Female Junior Champion
Katie Brow - Ballyholme Yacht Club

Male Junior Champion
Bobby Driscoll – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club

Female Youth Champion
Ellen Barbour – County Antrim Yacht Club

Male Youth Champion
Daniel Palmer – Ballyholme Yacht Club

Northern Ireland Schools Cup
Larne

Northern Ireland Club Trophy
Ballyholme Yacht Club

Junior Champion
Bobby Driscoll – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club

Youth Champion
Daniel Palmer – Ballyholme Yacht Club

For full results here

Friday's fleet leaders continue at the top in two of three divisions of the AIB sponsored Laser National Championships at Royal Cork Yacht Club, going into the final day of competition in Cork Harbour.

After eight races sailed, 99 boats compete across the three fleets at Crosshaven, with locals leading two divisions.

Eleven Races under London Olympic Race Officer Jack Roy were scheduled, with the final races sailed this Sunday.

Cork Harbour's Nick Walsh leads a 14-boat standard fleet with a 12-point lead over clubmate Edward Rice. Monkstown Bay's Robert Howe is third.

The host club has a grip on the biggest fleet of the championships, with RCYC youths filling the top three places in the Radial class. However, two UFD penalties have ruined one-time leader Michael Crosbie's perfect scoresheet with clubmate Jonathan O'Shaughnessy now on top of the 49 boat division.

Nick Walsh has a 12 point lead in the standard division Photo: Bob Bateman

After some intense competition at Dun Laoghaire Harbour during last week's 4.7 Youth World Championships on Dublin Bay, a 35-boat fleet is back on the water again, and it continues to be led by Howth Yacht Club's Rocco Wright now with an 11 point margin from Royal Cork's Oisin MacSweeney. Wright's clubmate Luke Turvey stays third.

Racing continues at Royal Cork this morning and conditions are expected to be light with winds under ten knots from the south.

Overall results are here

It has been a busy August for several young Laser sailors from Northern Ireland clubs who have competed at a high level in the RYA Youth Nationals at Plymouth, the UK Laser Association Nationals at Weymouth and the World Laser ILCA 4/4.7 Championships in Dun Laoghaire.

In the RYA Youth Nationals at Plymouth, Tom Coulter from East Antrim Boat Club in the County Antrim `port of Larne placed 24th in the ILCA 6 fleet with Josh McGregor and Lucas Nixon (both Ballyholme in Belfast Lough) 35th and 39th respectively. Ellen Barbour of County Antrim YC at Whitehead, also on Belfast Lough, finished a creditable 8th of 23 in the Girls section.

In the UK, Laser Association Nationals in Weymouth Coulter was 23rd in ILCA 6, having made the Gold Fleet and in the Silver fleet Josh McGregor (BYC) came 9th, one ahead of Ellen Barbour. And Lucas Nixon, also from Ballyholme, was 31st.

After this flurry of events, Tom Coulter spoke for the Northern Ireland contingent; "Lots of learning this past couple of weeks, and lots to build upon as we go forward. We have had the best time over the last ten days, with all of us having highs and lows at some point. It's been a fantastic experience both on and off the water with the best people, and I've loved every minute".

Tom Coulter and Ellen Barbour

To round off that spate of activity, down the road in Dublin Bay were the Laser ILCA 4 /Laser 4.7 Worlds at Dun Laoghaire hosted by the Royal St George and the National YC. There, in the Silver fleet, Hannah Dadley-Young from Ballyholme finished 17th, Zoe Whitford from East Antrim at Larne came 29th in the 40-boat fleet and Daniel Corbett, also from Ballyholme, was 53rd in the Boys Silver fleet.

The next big gathering will be the RYA NI Youth Championships at Carrickfergus SC on Belfast Lough on 11th and 12th September. There will, where numbers permit, be racing for ILCA 4s, 5s and 7s, 420s, 29ers, Topper 5.3, Topper 4.2, Optimist and RS Feva. A regatta fleet is also part of the event where less experienced sailors can race under the guidance of a race coach.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour is filled with sails this week as 229 boys and girls compete at the Laser/ILCA 4.7 Youth World Championships hosted jointly by the harbour's National Yacht Club and Royal St. George Yacht Clubs. 

Youth competitors from 31 different countries are taking part in the event which, say the organisers, makes it one of the largest international sporting events taking place in Ireland this year. 

Both boys and girls divisions completed a full schedule of two races on separate Dublin Bay race courses today in shifty 10 to 15  knots of breeze from the South West.

Best of the Irish boys was local Archie Daly who finished the day 38th in a fleet of 149 competitors. Tralee Bay's Eimer Mcmorrow Moriarty in 21st place in a fleet of 80 is the best of the girls. 

The girl's division is provisionally being led overnight by Annemijn Algra (NED) with Emma Mattivi (ITA) in second and Petra Marednic (CRO) is lying third.

Annemijn Algra from the Netherlands (NED), who is leading the girls division overnight comes with high hopes after winning the European Championships, which was part of the 132nd Travemünde Week in Germany only 10 days ago.

Some of the fleet of 240 boys and girls rigged and ready to sail from the Carlisle Pier at Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Competitors from 31 countries are contesting the Laser ILCA 4.7 Youth World Championships on Dublin Bay this week. See vid below

The boy's division is provisionally being led overnight by Martins Atilla (LAT) with Daniel Cardona Balsa (ESP) Alp Hosgör (TUR) is lying third.

First U16 Girl is Signe Brinkert (NED) and Boy is Alexandros Eleftheriadis (GRE).

Both divisions compete for two more days in a qualifying series and a further three days in the finals series to eventually decide who will be crowned the 2021ILCA 4.7 World Champion.

Boys results are here for and girls here

Racing continues tomorrow from 10:30 am

Howth Yacht Club's Eve McMahon (17) has won the Laser Radial (ILCA 6) Youth World Championships in a stunning performance on Lake Garda this afternoon.

As Afloat reported yesterday, the Paris 2024 campaigner has been in a podium position at the Italian venue all week and more often than not on top of the 55-boat leaderboard.

The soon to be sixth-year student led by five points from Czech Republic's Alessia Palanti on 28 points going in to the final races. 

The Dubliner counted two sevens to win comfortably with a 13 point cushion in a consistent scoreline that counted three race wins. 

Her main rival Palanti was overhauled by Swiss girl Anja Von Allmen who had a strong 1,2 finish to claim the silver medal. The Czech girl rued a DSQ and finished fourth overall to Sara Savelli who pinched third on the final day.

McMahon adds the title to the fourth-place finish at U21 ILCA 6 European Championships scored in June in Montenegro plus the U19 title at the same venue and before that silver in the EURILCA Laser Radial Youth Championships in Croatia.

The ILCA 6 Youth World Championships are open to sailors who were 18 or younger on the registration day, July 23, but at least 15 years of age.

Download full results below

Howth Yacht Club's Eve McMahon took an early lead at Laser Radial Youth World Championships and stayed in a podium place all week

World Sailing is delighted to announce that the 50th edition of the Youth Sailing World Championships will be held at Mussanah Sports City, Oman, from 11-18 December 2021.

Mussanah Sports City has played host to several Olympic class sailing events, including the Laser World Championships in 2013 and the RS:X World Championships in 2015. In April this year, the venue hosted the 2021 Mussanah Open Championship, a Tokyo 2020 qualification event for African and Asian nations.

Located approximately 100km north of Muscat International Airport, Mussanah is a top-class, purpose-built sporting venue, capable of hosting large-scale events and facilitating hundreds of athletes. It is renowned for its high-quality sailing conditions all year round. During December, temperatures are expected to be around 24°C on average, while the average wind strength is expected to be around 10-17 knots.

Quanhai Li, World Sailing President, said, “For the last five decades, the Youth Sailing World Championships have provided young athletes from all around the world with the opportunity to showcase their talent and test themselves against the very best opposition.

“The Youth Worlds also allows young sailors to learn about the importance of sport and fair competition, and to forge lifelong friendships with like-minded people from all corners of the globe. It is a hugely important event on our calendar, and it is with great pleasure that we can announce this year’s hosts. I am confident that Oman Sail will put on a fantastic show.”

David Graham, Chief Executive Officer at World Sailing, said, “The sailors at the Youth Worlds are the future stars of our sport and we aim to provide the best possible experience for them. We were really impressed with both Oman’s and Malta’s bids, and it was a tough choice for the Evaluation Panel, with both venues demonstrating the expertise to host a memorable championship.

“Oman’s outstanding facilities and sailing conditions will help to make this Youth Worlds a memorable one for all involved.”

Dr Khamis Al Jabri, Chief Executive Officer at Oman Sail, said, "We are delighted to have been selected as host nation for the 2021 Youth World Sailing Championships presented by Hempel, following a very competitive bid process. Oman has a proven track record in hosting major international sporting events, and we look forward to welcoming the best young sailors from around the world to experience the Sultanate’s legendary hospitality and majestic waters later this year.

“With its superb maritime facilities, Mussanah is internationally recognised as a leading destination for sailing events. I look forward to seeing our outstanding staging and race management teams deliver yet another memorable event on our shores that will have long-lasting socio-economic benefits for the Sultanate of Oman.”

World Sailing received two high-quality bids to host the 2021 Youth Worlds, with Oman selected ahead of Valletta, Malta by a Youth Worlds Evaluation Panel before final approval by the Board of Directors.

The Youth Worlds will be a prime example of Oman’s commitment to the environment with preservation of the natural resources embedded in every activity. As part of Oman’s Vision 2040 priorities, the staging of this tournament will drive greater awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability and ensuring Oman’s beautiful natural landscape is protected long into the future.

The last Youth Sailing World Championships were held in Gydnia, Poland in 2019, where 409 sailors from 66 nations competed across nine youth events, including the Boy's and Girl's divisions of the 29er, 420, RS:X and Laser Radial, as well as the Mixed Multihull, the Nacra 15. The 2020 Youth Worlds were scheduled to be held in Salvador, Brazil, in December 2020, but the event was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Planning for this year’s edition of the event has taken into consideration any relevant precautions required for everyone travelling to Oman, with further information regarding the event to be announced in due course.

Every sport sees it happen. Young enthusiastic kids who can't get enough training, competing, fitness, drills, and dreams of making it big writes Paul O'Hare of Rush Sailing Club.

Many then drift away from the sport they loved as they get into their late teens and 20's. Sport gets replaced with studies, college, travel, partners, new careers, marriage, family, and maybe realising that they are not the next Cluxton, Keane, O'Driscoll, or Murphy. Finally, after 10 or 15 years, they get back to the sport they once loved, but now with their own kids.

In sailing, this is an all too familiar story as young sailors, tossed about on the seas of Ireland in single-handed Oppies, Toppers and Lasers, give up the sport during their adolescence. It's hard then to get back into a small dinghy when they are older, so many give up sailing altogether.

Well, the fine people at Rush Sailing Club in North County Dublin have watched this happen throughout the generations, from the club's inception in 1954 to the modern day. They've put together a plan to keep these young adults in the sport by making it exciting, inclusive, competitive and fun. Central to this drive is the club's acquisition of two J/24 racing keelboats. The club chose this popular and competitive boat with 5,500 boats sailing in 165 fleets throughout 110 countries. Crews range from four to six people, and the boat is an ideal all-rounder, offering exciting racing to experienced sailors but a safe introduction to novices (that's right, it has a keel so it won't capsize! Mostly). The boat can be trailered to events and is suitable for all kinds of weather.

The new Rush Sailing Club J/24's look fast with their new paint job

The team in Rush are lead by two 20-year old committee members, David Kelly (Sailing Sec) and Lauren O'Hare (Senior Instructor, SI). They are putting together a team racing schedule with the new boats and some other multi-crewed boats that the club own. Team racing draws in members of all ages as Rush family dynasties are pitted against each other. Novices will sail alongside seasoned veterans in a winner-takes-all season. In addition, young crews aim to compete around Ireland & the UK against other clubs in this highly competitive class. The club aims to boost sailing with competition on the water, enhancing the membership experience for all.

Rush Sailing Club members collecting the boats in Southampton before their renovation 

The boats are aptly named 'Juvenile Delinquent' and 'Out of Control'. They were purchased second hand in Southampton at the start of the lockdown, and in typical RSC fashion, they were sourced, collected, gutted and restored by the club's members under the stewardship of Commodore David Kelly (senior). Sponsorship provided by local businesses and members allowed the club to put the boats on the water with zero cost to the membership!

So, if you've never sailed but would love to give it a try, or if you want to get back to sailing, or if you fancy a bit of high-octane competitive fun, then contact RSC, where a new sport, hobby and obsession awaits you.