Headcase Fans Salute Back-to-Back J/24 World Champions

13th November 2026

Afloat.ie Team

The five Headcase sailors cheer aboard their J/24, three with fists raised.

Double Cheers: Ireland’s Headcase crew celebrate aboard after retaining the Epigen J/24 world title in Melbourne, as Afloat readers add their congratulations on Facebook Credit: Tidal Media

“Hardy bucks” was how Cormac Mac Donncha summed it up as Afloat readers took to Facebook to congratulate Ireland’s Headcase crew on winning back-to-back J/24 world titles.

“Double champions...... brilliant stuff,” wrote Cormac Fahy under Afloat’s report on the Melbourne win. For Finbarr O’Regan, it was the repeat that stood out. “Unbelievable… to do it all again. Well done guys”.

Mark De Fleury picked out the “great team work and holding your nerve”, while Ciara Earley noted the “challenging conditions over the last few days”. The crew went into the final day two points behind Australia’s Checkmate and finished with a first, a third and a second to win by 12 points.

Cillian Dickson, Ryan Glynn, Louis Mulloy, Sam O’Byrne and Marcus Ryan backed up their 2025 win in Plymouth with victory on Port Phillip. Laura Dillon urged the crew to “Enjoy the celebrations”, and James Fegan kept it to three words and two emojis: “Fair play lads”.

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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.