The Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup makes its return this weekend, the 5 – 6 October, at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club in Co. Down. This annual event, renowned for showcasing Ireland’s top sailing talent, marks its 77th year. The contest is known for crowning the “Champion of Champions” in the sailing world and will see, amongst many others, Paris Olympians Robert Dickson and Finn Lynch make their return to competitive sailing.

Champions Competing for the Coveted Title

Returning to this year’s Cup, two-time Olympian Finn Lynch is looking to defend his title. After a stellar year, including a third-place finish at the ILCA 7 Europeans in Athens and a 10th place at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Finn is well-poised for another strong performance.

Joining him is fellow Olympian Robert Dickson, 49er helm, fresh from an inspiring Olympic campaign with crew Seán Waddilove, where they placed fourth overall. Robert and Seán secured Ireland’s spot in the 49er class for Paris 2024 after qualifying the berth at the 49er Europeans in 2023. They then went on to win the Irish trial for the berth, taking them to Paris.

Class Representation Breakdown

This year, the cup features nominees from a diverse set of classes: Shannon One Design, Dublin Bay Mermaid, Puppeteer 22, Water Wag, ITRA, Fireball, GP14, ICRA, Melges 15, ILCA, 1720, RS 400, and Squib. Each class nominates its top sailors to the competition which also includes two President’s Choice entries. A minimum of two female helms are required to compete.

Class Competitors

• Shannon One Design: Making his Champions' Cup debut is Ian Croxon, long-time SOD sailor who earned his nomination after a successful season, triumphing over long-time rival David Dickson.
• Dublin Bay Mermaid: National Champion Darach Dineen takes the spot for the Dublin Bay Mermaids.
• Water Wag:  John O’Driscoll represents his class in the Cup.
• ITRA: Jack Fahy, captain and helm of the reigning Team Racing National Champions, joins the event after a stellar year on the team racing circuit, igniting the return of the George invitational and returning to the British University Sailing Championship.
• Melges 15: The newly established Melges 15 class makes its Champions’ Cup debut with Darragh O’Connor, winner of the class’s first National Championship.
• Fireball: National Champion Barry McCartin takes the helm for the Fireball class.
• GP 14: Ross Kearney returns to the Champions’ Cup, aiming to claim the elusive salver after several close attempts, hot on the Heels of previous champion Ger Owens.
• Puppeteer 22: Paul McMahon, class champion, competes for the Puppeteer 22s.
• RS 400: Robert Espey, the RS 400 National Champion, competes on his home waters, making him a formidable contender in this year's hosting class.
• 1720: The 1720 class has two entrants—Ross McDonald, reigning National and European Champion, and Mia Murphy, who secured her nomination with an impressive second-place finish at the 1720 Nationals.
• ICRA: The ICRA (Irish Cruiser Racing Class) is represented by three top sailors:
  Nicole Hemeryck, helm of J112E ‘Valentina,’ who dominated the summer with wins at Cork Week Overall and Class 0 Winners and ICRA Nationals Class 0 Winners.
  Cian Jones of ‘JellyBaby,’ who took home Class 1 honours at Cowes Week. Neil Spain of ‘Outrageous,’ whose accolades over the summer season include ICRA Nationals Overall and Class 1 winners, J109 European winners and IRC Europeans overall and Class 1 winners.
• Squib: Representing the Squib class is Mícheál Ó’Súilleabháin, an accomplished sailor across multiple classes and one to watch as he is not only the Squib Nationals winner, But the J-Cup winner in Kinsale YC’s j24 ‘Kinsailor’, Irish Sailing League winner and recent competitor at the World Universities Sailing Championship in Lake Garda.
• ILCA 7: Rounding out the list is Fiachra Geraghty McDonnell of Royal St George Yacht Club, second-place finisher at the ILCA Nationals.

With such a high-calibre field of competitors, this year’s Irish Sailing Champions' Cup promises a thrilling display of skill and competition. All eyes will be on these talented sailors as they battle it out for the prestigious title of Champion of Champions.

The RS 400: A Prime Choice for Champions

This year’s chosen boat for the competition is the RS 400. The RS 400 is a lightweight, two-person dinghy designed by Phil Morrison. Equipped with a main sail, jib, and asymmetric spinnaker, it offers exceptional power control and adjustability. The versatility of the rig, combined with a high-volume hull, accommodates a wide range of crew weights, making it an ideal platform for the Champions’ Cup. Its one-design nature ensures a level playing field, allowing sailors from various disciplines to fine-tune the boat to match their skills and tactics.