Cullen Nominated As Irish Sailing President

3rd March 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Helm Change Ahead — David Cullen of Howth Yacht Club has been nominated as Irish Sailing President, with members to vote at the 2026 AGM and EGM in Lough Ree

Irish Sailing has nominated David Cullen (Howth Yacht Club) as its next President.

The nomination will go before members at the organisation’s 2026 EGM and AGM on Wednesday, 25 March at Lough Ree Yacht Club.

Cullen has served four years on the Board and is currently Secretary of Irish Sailing.

He began sailing in Optimists at Kilbarrack Sailing Club before progressing through Mirrors and Lasers into offshore yacht racing. He has competed in ISORA, Round Ireland Races, Fastnet campaigns and Cowes Week, and is a multiple Commodore’s Cup competitor. He is a European Champion in the Half Ton class with Checkmate XV.

President Standing Down

Outgoing President Sue Concannon (Killaloe Sailing Club) is stepping down after five years on the Board, including one year as President.

In a closing message, she said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve as a Director and President of Irish Sailing. I believe I depart from the Board with Irish Sailing in a strong position.”

The Board thanked Concannon and outgoing Board member Niall O’Neill (Baltimore SC) for their service.

Constitutional Changes Return

An Extraordinary General Meeting will precede the AGM to consider amendments to the constitution.

Proposed changes were postponed in 2025 and now return to members, alongside additional amendments arising from that meeting.

The Board said the changes are required to progress the Member Management System project approved at a 2025 EGM with a 99% majority.

Annual Business And Subscriptions

The AGM will address routine annual business and ordinary resolutions.

Members will consider a proposed amendment to remove subscription charges for Ceremonial and Non-Active Honorary Affiliate Personal Members, following a request made at the 2025 EGM.

Minutes from the March 2025 AGM and October 2025 EGM will be presented for approval.

The President’s report and audited 2025 accounts will also be reviewed.

Director Nominations

Andrew Algeo (Baltimore SC, RIYC, RStGYC, CAI) is nominated for re-election as Director, having been appointed in December 2025.

Bill O’Hara retires by rotation and is proposed for re-election to complete the final year of his five-year term.

Clubs intending to vote must nominate representatives at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Published in Irish Sailing

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Irish Sailing

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Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.