Irish Crew Hold Narrow Lead at J/24 Worlds in Plymouth, Three Irish in Top Ten

12th September 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Irish boat Headcase, helmed by Cillian Dickson, powers through Plymouth Sound to retain the overall lead after day four of the J/24 Worlds Credit: Joe Woodyear & Chambers film & media

Cillian Dickson’s Headcase kept Ireland on top after day four of the J/24 World Championship in Plymouth Yacht Haven.

The all-Ireland crew posted an eighth in race six before winning race seven, holding a three-point lead on 15 net points going into the final day on Saturday.

Michael Goldfarb’s War Canoe of the USA was “boat of the day”, scoring two seconds to close the gap. Tony Parker’s Bangor Packet sits third on 20 points after an 11th in the final race of the day

Japan’s Gekko won race six and lies fourth overall. Argentina’s Tata Patagonia and Britain’s Majic are tied for fifth on 50 points.

Irish boats remain well placed. Martin Mahon’s Snoopy’s J is ninth, while David Bailey’s Hard on Port is tenth after finishing third in race seven.

Colm O’Flaherty’s Blind Squirrel is 13th, Conor Haughton’s Jupiter 19th, JP McCaldin’s Il Riccio 21st, and Mark Usher’s Hedgehog 28th.

Luke McBride’s Crazy Horse is 39th, and Bernard McConville’s Proud Mary rounds out the Irish fleet in 50th.

Racing concludes tomorrow with up to three more races scheduled, weather permitting

Race Results

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Published in J24

Tagged under

J/24

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About the J24 keelboat

American Rod Johnstone designed the J/24, a one-design boat, in the mid-1970s.

Since 1977, it has been manufactured and at present, at least 5,500 hulls have been constructed throughout the globe.

The J/24 has significantly contributed to the popularity of competitive sailing, and numerous internationally recognised racing personalities have won international J/24 championships.

This class still thrives and remains a favourite among owners and crews of all levels.