Malone's Loinnir Honoured At Kinsale Prizegiving After Inishtearaght Victory

31st May 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Island Kings — Overall winner John Malone and the Loinnir crew celebrate with race officials after securing overall honours in the 2026 Cantor Fitzgerald Inishtearaght-Skelligs Race. Pictured are Daragh Connolly, Anthony O'Neill, Ross Deasy, John Malone, Dave Cullinane, Cian McCarthy and Emmet Sheridan Credit: Robert Bateman.

Overall winner John Malone and the crew of Loinnir were honoured at Kinsale Yacht Club on Sunday evening (May 31) following their victory in the 2026 Cantor Fitzgerald Inishtearaght-Skelligs Race.

The Lough Ree Yacht Club entry claimed overall honours in the demanding offshore contest around Ireland's westernmost islands and received the race's Timber Trophy during a well-attended prizegiving ceremony at the host club.

The trophy was commissioned by Stephen McCarthy for the inaugural Inishtearaght Race in 2022 and has quickly become one of Irish offshore sailing's most distinctive awards.

Winning Ways — Members of the Cristina team skippered by Jon Treanoer celebrate their line honours achievements at the 2026 Inishtearaght-Skelligs Race prizegiving. Photo: Robert Bateman

Guests heard how the race produced both close competition and displays of seamanship. One of the event's defining moments came off Inishtearaght Island when Cinnamon Girl, sailed by Cian McCarthy and Sam Hunt, suffered a dismasting in winds of around 20 knots.

Fellow competitors, including overall winner Loinnir, stood by while the RNLI and Coast Guard remained on alert. McCarthy and Hunt were ultimately able to bring their damaged yacht safely into Dingle Harbour without assistance.

Several crews also reported torn spinnakers and gear damage during the race, underlining the demanding conditions encountered around the Atlantic turning marks.

Runner-Up Honour — Stephen Lysaght receives awards for Reavra Too after finishing second overall in both IRC and Echo divisions. Photo: Robert Bateman

Double Success — Finbarr O'Regan accepts awards for Artful Dodjer's third-place IRC finish and Echo success in the 2026 Inishtearaght-Skelligs Race. Photo: Robert Bateman

During the presentation ceremony, organisers thanked the race committee, volunteers, sponsors and supporters whose work over the past two years helped deliver another successful edition of the biennial event.

Special Recognition — Tony and Alice Kingston receives their two handed prize during the 2026 Inishtearaght-Skelligs Race prizegiving at Kinsale Yacht Club. Photo: Robert Bateman

The evening concluded with the presentation of class prizes and overall awards as competitors reflected on a race that continues to establish itself as one of Ireland's premier offshore challenges.

Inishtearaght-Skelligs Race 2026 Prizegiving

Published in Inistearaght Race

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Inistearaght Race

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