Jonathan O'Rourke with crew Kate Grimes and Alan O'Rourke, sailing Number 77 Tiller Girl, have been crowned 2025 Mermaid National Champions in Wexford Harbour.
The fourth and final day of the Championship came to a close yesterday, Saturday, the 2nd of August, hosted by Wexford Harbour Boat & Tennis Club. The fleet of 17 headed out early in the morning, eager for the chance that a final 2 races offered. The first gun was scheduled for 10.55 am, but the wind had other ideas. It was much too light for a start for the first half hour or so, and everyone settled in for what looked to be a long day of waiting around and praying for wind.
The wind strength did pick up, but was shifting dramatically, swinging from 280 to 180/220. There were a number of starts (at least 4) that were abandoned due to large shifts on the first beat that made it a lottery. It was becoming a test of patience and staying focused. Finally, a fair race got away, it was race 7 of the series, and with the 3 top points lying on 12,13 and 14 net points, it was critical to the outcome.
Light shifty winds proved no challenge to Jonathan O'Rourke and crew on 77 Tiller Girl, who took 1st place. Mermaid 102 Endeavour from Rush Sailing Club didn't make it an easy win, right on their heels for the whole race and placing 2nd. 3rd place went to 165 Seafox from Foynes Yacht Club with a large gap between those top 3 boats and the rest of the fleet. 188 Innocence had an impressive comeback in that race after being stuffed on the line; they climbed back from last place to 4th, keeping them in the running.
With a decent wind now holding steady, Race Officer Mike Head, who had stepped in for Scorie Walls, wasted no time getting straight into the starting sequence for a 2nd race. Local Wexford boat 187 Zuleika helmed by Derek Joyce took 1st place in the final race of the Championship with 102 Endeavour again taking 2nd place. Reigning champion Brian Fenlon on 131 Wild Wind placed 3rd, and 77 Tiller Girl came in 4th.
This consistency for Tiller Girl ultimately won them the Championship on a net total of 18 points, with Wild Wind placing 2nd overall on 21 points and 188 Innocence placing 3rd overall with 24 points. There was a large audience on the water with a number of ribs and boats out watching the last 2 races, and as Jonathan O'Rourke and his crew, Alan O'Rourke and Kate Grimes, crossed the finish line, there were great celebrations and applause. Overall, it was an extremely close Championship, with the leader changing three times and numerous shake-ups in overall places. Full final results can be viewed below.
More on the 2025 Mermaid National Championships prizegiving here
