Craig and Boyle Extend Flying Fifteen DBSC Lead in Dublin

14th July 2026

Cormac Bradley

Close Contest: Flying Fifteens converge on the leeward mark during an evening of close racing on Dublin Bay, where light and shifting winds tested crews across the fleet Credit: Afloat

Sean Craig and Stephen Boyle strengthened their lead in the DBSC Flying Fifteen Thursday night series after two contrasting evenings of racing on Dublin Bay. Warm weather and light to moderate winds tested crews across races held on 2 and 9 July. Despite changing conditions, Race Officer John McNeilly completed full races on both evenings.

Fourteen boats lined up on 2 July in a westerly breeze of 8–10 knots. Craig and Boyle led throughout much of the race, with Alastair Court and Connor O'Leary finishing second. Niall Coleman and Cormac Bradley recovered from a poor start to claim third after a tactical race that rewarded crews who found stronger breeze and avoided light patches.

Evening Contest: The Flying Fifteen fleet races on Dublin Bay during the DBSC Thursday night series, where Sean Craig and Stephen Boyle strengthened their overall championship lead after two race wins Photo: Afloat

The second race, on 9 July, proved even trickier as lighter winds and a strong tide prompted a general recall before racing got underway.

Craig and Boyle again judged the conditions best, taking victory ahead of Neil Colin and Margaret Casey, with Phil Lawton and Neil O'Hagan completing the podium. Adrian Cooper and Joe McNamara finished fourth, while Alan Balfe and Pat Kiersey secured fifth.

The fleet continued to battle for places throughout the race, with changing pressure and shifting breeze creating opportunities across the course. Joe Coughlan and crew also earned praise for recovering well after a difficult start to finish ahead of six boats.

After eight races, Craig and Boyle hold a commanding lead in the overall DBSC Thursday Night standings with seven points. Neil Colin and Margaret Casey are second on 28 points, followed by Alan Green and Caroline Hanniffy on 36. Coleman and Bradley sit fourth on 37 points, with Frank Miller and Cathy Booth fifth on 38.

Thursday 2nd July.

1. Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle
2. Alastair Court & Connor O’Leary
3. Niall Coleman & Cormac Bradley
4. Neil Colin & Margaret Casey
5. Brian O’Hare & Tonia McAllister.

Thursday 9 th July.

1. Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle
2. Neil Colin & Margaret Casey
3. Phil Lawton & Neil O’Hagan
4. Adrain Cooper & Joe McNamara
5. Alan Balfe & Pat Kiersey.

DBSC Thursday Nights Overall (12 races programmed, 4 races lost to weather conditions).

1 st Sean Craig & Stephen Boyle 7 pts
2 nd Neil Colin & Margaret Casey 28 pts
3 rd Alan Green & Carolin Hanniffy 36 pts
4 th Niall Coleman & Cormac Bradley 37 pts
5 th Frank Miller & Cathy Booth 38 pts

Published in Flying Fifteen, DBSC

Published in Flying Fifteen

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About The Author

Cormac Bradley

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Dublin Bay Fireballer Cormac Bradley was appointed Rear Commodore of the International Fireball Class in 2017. He is a regular dinghy and one design correspondent on Afloat.ie

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