Ireland's Headcase Two Points Off Lead at J/24 Worlds

10th November 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Final-Day Showdown: Defending J/24 world champions Headcase are just two points behind Australia's Checkmate after seven races in Melbourne, with Race 8 abandoned following a redress issue

Ireland's defending J/24 world champions, Headcase, are just two points off the lead going into the final day of the 2026 Epigen J/24 World Championship in Melbourne, following a difficult seventh race on Port Phillip.

The Irish crew, skippered by Cillian Dickson of Lough Ree Yacht Club, finished 17th in Race 7 on Tuesday (10th November), while their principal rivals, Australia's Checkmate, placed tenth.

With the worst result discarded, Sean Kirkjian's Australian crew leads the championship on 13 points, with Headcase second on 15 points. The latest standings leave the title contest finely balanced ahead of Wednesday's scheduled conclusion at Sandringham Yacht Club.

Race Eight Abandoned Following Redress Issue

In a further development on Tuesday, an update circulated from the championship reported that Race 8 had been abandoned due to a redress issue.

The update indicated that three races were likely to be sailed on Wednesday, 11th November, as organisers sought to complete the championship programme. That proposed schedule remains subject to confirmation.

Irish Champions Face Final-Day Showdown

Headcase began the championship in outstanding form, winning the opening two races and adding a third in Race 4.

The defending champions maintained their advantage through the early stages of the regatta before Checkmate mounted a strong challenge on Monday, winning both Races 5 and 6 to take the overall lead.

The Australian crew entered Tuesday one point ahead of the Irish boat, but neither leading contender enjoyed an easy seventh race. With both teams now discarding their Tuesday results, Checkmate retains a narrow advantage in what promises to be a closely contested final day.

Dickson is sailing with Ryan Glynn of Ballyholme Yacht Club, Louis Mulloy and Marcus Ryan of Mayo Sailing Club, and Sam O'Byrne of Howth Yacht Club.

As Afloat previously reported, the Irish team made history in Plymouth in 2025 when it became the first Irish crew to win the J/24 World Championship, subsequently earning recognition as Irish Sailors of the Year.

The Melbourne campaign offers the opportunity to secure consecutive world titles in one of international keelboat racing's most established one-design classes.

Racing is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, 11 November.

Race Results

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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.