Irish sailor Charles Cullen recorded a top-five finish at the 2026 International Moth European Championship in L’Escala, Spain. The Royal St George Yacht Club and National Yacht Club sailor ended the week-long regatta fifth overall in a highly competitive international fleet.
France's Enzo Balanger secured the European title after a consistent series throughout the championship at Club Nàutic l’Escala.
Australia's Ryan Littlechild finished second overall, with John Harris of Australia's Woollahra Sailing Club taking third. French sailor Léo Maurin was fourth.
Mark Round — Argentina's Franco Greggi (ARG 5064) rounds the course during the final day of the 2026 International Moth European Championship in L’Escala. Photo: Laura Carrau
The championship concluded on Friday after a delayed start to the final day. Light and unstable winds initially kept the fleet ashore before conditions improved around midday. Race officials completed three races to bring the regatta to a full conclusion.
The final day's racing maintained pressure throughout the fleet, with several positions still undecided entering the closing races.
Balanger's performance across the week proved enough to secure the European crown in the foiling dinghy class. Local sailors also featured strongly, with Gerard Marín finishing 13th and Marc Verdaguer placing 18th for host club Club Nàutic l’Escala. Organisers opened the racing to spectators from the water, offering boat trips to follow the action on the Bay of Empúries with onboard race commentary.
The championship concluded with a prize-giving ceremony at the Club Nàutic l’Escala Village. Category awards went to Ryan Littlechild (Youth), John Harris (Master), Kai Adolph (Grand Master) and Victoria Schultheis (Female). The event was organised by Club Nàutic l’Escala in partnership with the International Moth Class and supported by Spanish and Catalan sailing authorities.
