Noel Butler and Stephen Oram claimed a convincing victory at the Fireball Ulster Championship, hosted by Galway Bay Sailing Club in near-perfect sailing conditions. A fleet of 14 boats enjoyed six races over two days in sunshine, temperatures approaching 28°C and steady sea breezes. Race Officer Margot Cronin set Olympic triangle courses in Galway Bay, with races lasting around 45 minutes.
Championship Charge: The Fireball fleet gets away cleanly at the start of racing on Galway Bay, where six races in varied conditions decided the 2026 Ulster Championship. Photo: Laurik Mathieu
Butler and Oram established themselves as the team to beat from the outset, winning the opening two races after overcoming strong early challenges from Frank Miller and Ed Butler Snr. Race three went to brothers Daniel and Harry Thompson in shifting conditions, with Butler and Oram taking second. David Evans and William Draper then won race four, while Butler and Oram's second place left them with a commanding overnight lead.
Sunday brought lighter but steadier winds of eight to 12 knots. Butler and Oram completed the series in style by winning both remaining races to secure the Ulster title.
Winning Form: Eventual champions Noel Butler and Stephen Oram sail with trademark consistency during the Galway Bay series, winning four of the six races to secure the Ulster title. Photo: Laurik Mathieu
Behind the winners, the battle for the remaining podium places stayed close throughout the weekend. Evans and Draper claimed second overall by a single point from Conor Twohig and Matthew Cotter, while Daniel and Harry Thompson finished just one point further back in fourth. Jack McNaughton and Kilian Mathieu completed the top five.
Rising Challenge: David Evans and William Draper claimed second overall after a consistently strong series, finishing just behind the champions in a closely contested Fireball Ulster Championship. Photo: Frank Miller
Podium Push: Matthew Cotter and Conor Twohig secured third overall, finishing only a single point behind the runners-up after six competitive races on Galway Bay. Photo: Frank Miller
The Silver Fleet honours went to Galway Bay Sailing Club's Alan Henry and Alan Stamp. Cariosa Power and Marie Barry finished second in Silver, with Rachel Deasy and Daithi Murphy taking third.
Silver Success: Local sailors Alan Henry and Alan Stamp claimed Silver Fleet honours, rewarding consistent sailing at their home club during the Fireball Ulster Championship. Photo: Frank Miller
Reflecting on the victory, Butler said: "Key on the tricky first day was trying to identify the bigger shifts and staying on the lifted tack while avoiding areas of less pressure." He added, "Day 2 was steadier, so it was more about prioritising clear air and sailing fast." At the prize-giving, Butler thanked Race Officer Margot Cronin, her race management team and the Galway Bay Sailing Club volunteers. He also dedicated the victory to the late Fireball sailor Ian O'Gorman.
Champions Crowned: Noel Butler and Stephen Oram receive the Fireball Ulster Championship trophy after a dominant performance that also honoured the memory of late Fireball sailor Ian O'Gorman. Photo: Frank Miller
Despite a reduced turnout because of the clash with Cork Week, competitors praised the club's organisation, hospitality and race management. Many also enjoyed dolphins appearing alongside the fleet during racing. Click here to view the Fireball Ulster Championship results.
Attention now turns to the Fireball World Championship in Torbay, with a record Irish contingent of 13 boats expected to compete, following their first contest at the UK National Championship.
