Ewen Barry and his daughter Thea have been crowned 2026 Fireball National Champions after a demanding three-day championship at Howth Yacht Club. Representing Monkstown Bay Sailing Club, the pair won five of the nine races sailed and secured the title by seven points after discarding a fourth- and a sixth-place finish. At just 15 years of age, Thea Barry is believed to be the youngest sailor ever to win the Fireball National Championship.
The 19-boat fleet faced a remarkable range of conditions that tested competitors and race officials alike throughout the weekend. Racing was managed by National Race Officer Neil Murphy and his team.
Friday delivered some of the most unpredictable conditions seen in recent memory. Massive shifts in wind strength and direction produced everything from flat calms to sudden gusts arriving from unexpected angles in a moderate swell. Two races were attempted, but the second was abandoned when the breeze disappeared completely. Noel Butler and Stephen Oram won the opening race after successfully navigating the difficult conditions. Several boats struggled to round the leeward mark in extremely light airs. A protest arising from the race was overseen by National Judge Ed Alcock.
Saturday began with light and tricky winds before a classic sea breeze developed. Three races were completed in lighter conditions before two further races were sailed in stronger afternoon winds, producing fast and enjoyable reaching conditions.
With Sunday's forecast uncertain, competitors agreed to extend Saturday's programme to five races. However, when an easterly breeze of around six knots materialised on Sunday morning, the fleet launched for a final three races off the Portmarnock coast. The concluding races were sailed in light but relatively steady winds of six to seven knots.
Behind the eventual winners, the battle for the podium remained close throughout the championship. Conor Twohig and Matthew Cotter secured second overall ahead of Butler and Oram in third. French sailors Yoann Fouassier and Jean Robillard finished fourth sailing one of three new Windermark Fireballs competing at the event.
Champions' Podium — Fireball National Championship winners Ewen and Thea Barry stand atop the podium at Howth Yacht Club, flanked by runners-up Conor Twohig and Matthew Cotter and third-placed Noel Butler and Stephen Oram. Photo: Frank Miller
Rachel Deasy and Harry Thompson won the Silver Fleet and finished sixth overall. Brian Jones and TJ O'Brien took second in Silver Fleet ahead of Pat McGoldrick and Paul ter Horst.
Silver Success — Rachel Deasy and Harry Thompson, centre, celebrate winning the Silver Fleet prize after a strong series that also saw them finish sixth overall at the Fireball National Championship. Photo: Frank Miller
One of the biggest receptions at the prize-giving went to Glen Fisher, who sailed with his wife Brenda and daughter Clodagh to win the Classic Trophy.
Classic Cheers — Glen Fisher, joined by his wife Brenda, receives the Classic Trophy after earning one of the warmest receptions of the Fireball Nationals prize-giving. Photo: Frank Miller
Despite several regular competitors being absent due to the Round Ireland Yacht Race, the championship was widely regarded as a success, combining competitive racing, sunshine and strong hospitality under the organisation of Jill Sommerville. The next major event for the class is the Ulster Championship at Galway Bay Sailing Club on 11-12 July. A coaching weekend will precede the event, while around 13 Irish Fireballs are expected to travel to Torbay later in July for the World Championship.
