Irish Sailing Names Covy as Official Wear Partner

10th April 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Olympic Link: Rob Dickson and Seán Waddilove with Covy founder Cillian Griffith in Dun Laoghaire as Irish Sailing Performance names Covy its official wear partner

Irish Sailing Performance has announced a new partnership with Covy Watersports, naming the Irish brand as its Official Performance Wear Partner.

The agreement will see Covy provide technical kit to senior and development squads, while also working with athletes on the design and refinement of performance apparel.

Covy Watersports is the only Irish watersports brand designing and developing its wetsuits domestically, offering a home-grown option for competitive sailors.

Irish Sailing Performance Director James O’Callaghan said the collaboration supports both athlete performance and Irish innovation.

“We are delighted to welcome Covy Watersports as a partner of Irish Sailing Performance,” he said. “It is particularly positive to collaborate with an Irish brand, and we are proud to support homegrown innovation within our sport.”

“Our sailors have thoroughly tested the kit and have been very impressed with its quality, fit and performance. We look forward to working closely with Covy Watersports and to a successful season ahead.”

Irish Sailing Performance continues to deliver results on the international stage, including recent success at Olympic-class events. Eve McMahon’s ILCA 6 gold at the Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma is the latest highlight.

Covy Watersports founder Cillian Griffith said the partnership reflects the brand’s ambition to support Irish athletes.

“As a locally founded brand, we are proud to support Irish athletes competing on the international stage,” he said. “Our ambition is to develop high-performance sailing apparel that athletes are proud to wear.”

“We will work closely with them to refine our products and support them in maximising their potential.”

Covy was founded by Griffith, originally from Claremorris, with the brand shaped by his connection to the sea in Westport.

The company will showcase its range at the Irish Sailing Foundation Youth Nationals at Ballyholme Yacht Club on 11–12 April.

Published in Irish Sailing, Irish Sailing Olympic HQ, Robert Dickson & Sean Waddilove

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.