Robert Espey of Ballyholme Yacht Club is the winner of this year’s Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup which took place at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club in Cultra, Co. Down after a string of strong results.

Espey, who raced on his home waters of Belfast Lough, was a formidable contender in this year's hosting class from the start.

Espey, who claimed his place in the fleet as the nomination from the RS400 class as their national champion, finished top of his flight after three races ahead of Barry McCartin of Cushendall in second and Olympian Finn Lynch - who boasted Annalise Murphy as crew, in third. He had tough competition throughout, not least from another Olympian in Robert Dickson (Howth Yacht Club) and Ross McDonald (Howth Yacht Club). McDonald recently won the IRC European Championships at the Royal Irish Yacht Club on Outrajeous, making it an exceptionally tight final series.

Second and third places were taken by Ross McDonald, nominated through the 1720 Class and Neil Spain of Cushendall Sailing and Boat Club, nominated through the Irish Cruiser Racing Association, both flying the flag for Howth Yacht Club. McDonald finished top of his flight with two wins and a fourth place and produced some exceptional results in the medal series, including a bullet in the final race of the day. Neil Spain stayed within the top five throughout the day apart from one sixth in the medal series, leaving him in a strong third place.

Racing was postponed on Saturday due to high winds, which meant a slightly amended card on Sunday. There was no repechage; rather, the top five from each flight went through to a four-race final. The day was well run, and huge credit must go to the Royal North of Ireland YC team and Race Officer Ruan O’Tiarnaigh, who kept everything on track.

Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup 2024 at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club results