Foynes Yacht Club will welcome J/24 crews from across Ireland to the Shannon Estuary for the 2026 J/24 National Championships. The event will bring together some of the country’s leading J/24 crews for what is expected to be a highly competitive championship, with boats from clubs across Ireland travelling to Foynes.
Racing will take place on the Shannon Estuary, where strong tides, shifting conditions and a wide expanse of open water should thoroughly test boat speed, tactics and crew coordination.
Bothwell Leads Race Management
Experienced Race Officer Derek Bothwell will oversee the racing programme, supported by the Foynes Yacht Club race-management team and volunteers ashore and on the water. The club has spent months preparing for the championships, with members involved in race management, safety, launching, berthing, hospitality and the event’s social programme.
Estuary test: J/24 crews will face the Shannon Estuary’s tides and shifting conditions when Foynes Yacht Club hosts the 2026 National Championships
Foynes Yacht Club has a strong record of hosting major sailing events and hopes the championships will showcase both the club and the distinctive sailing waters of the Shannon Estuary.
Close Racing Expected
The J/24 class is renowned for close one-design racing, where success depends on sharp starts, tactical decisions, consistent boat handling and teamwork. With a competitive national fleet expected at Foynes, places are likely to be hard-earned throughout the championship.
The event will also give sailors from around the country a chance to renew friendships and enjoy the camaraderie long associated with the Irish J/24 class.
Foynes Ready to Welcome Crews
Foynes Yacht Club Commodore Patricia McCormack said hosting the championships would be a proud occasion for the club.
“We are delighted and honoured to host the 2026 J/24 National Championships at Foynes Yacht Club. We look forward to welcoming crews from all over Ireland to the Shannon Estuary for a wonderful weekend of competitive racing and West Coast hospitality."
“A championship of this scale requires a tremendous amount of work, and we are very grateful to Derek Bothwell, our organising committee, race-management team, safety crews and all the volunteers who are helping to make the event possible.”
With an experienced race team and a competitive national fleet, the championships are set to provide a strong test on the Shannon Estuary.
