The 2025 Mermaid Munster Championships took place at Foynes Yacht Club on the Shannon Estuary on 31 May and 1 June. Thirteen boats from clubs including Wexford, Foynes, Skerries, Rush, and Dun Laoghaire participated.
Heavy winds challenged sailors throughout the weekend. On Saturday, the first race started at 1pm. Race Officer Mike Head shortened the course after two capsizes and equipment failures. Competitors returned to shore with necessary repairs ahead of the season.
Big breeze on the Shannon Estuary at Foynes for the 2025 Mermaid Munster Championship
Day two brought similar windy conditions. The race committee assessed the sea state and launched a rib to evaluate conditions. A brief postponement preceded the only race of the day amid gusts exceeding 30 knots.
Sailors faced a tricky start line due to a strong outgoing tide. The spinnaker handling was difficult, resulting in additional capsizes. The race was again shortened, and further racing was abandoned.
188 Innocence from Foynes Yacht Club, helmed by Darragh McCormack and crewed by Mark and Noel McCormack, secured 1st place overall. 2nd overall was 119 Three Chevrons, also from Foynes Yacht Club, helmed by Michael Lynch with crew Roisin McCormack and Ivan Joyce, while 3rd overall went to 102 Endeavour from Rush Sailing Club, helmed by Darach Dineen with crew Breda Magner and Clodagh McGuire.
2025 Mermaid Munster Championship Prizegiving
The fleet looks forward to the Skerries Regatta on 28-29 June.
