Endeavour Wins Munster Mermaid Title After Foynes Duel

4th June 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Squall Sprint — Mermaid crews power through fresh conditions on the Shannon Estuary during the 2026 Munster Mermaid Championships at Foynes Yacht Club, where tight racing continued despite challenging weather Credit: Roisin McCormack

Rush Sailing Club's Endeavour claimed the 2026 Munster Mermaid Championship after a closely fought contest at Foynes Yacht Club. Crews from Rush, Skerries, Wexford and Foynes gathered on the Shannon Estuary for the two-day event on 30 and 31 May.

Saturday delivered testing conditions. A 15-knot breeze gusting to 25 knots, combined with heavy squalls, challenged crews and equipment, with two boats retiring from racing. At the end of the opening day, Foynes Yacht Club's Three Chevrons, helmed by Vincent McCormack, held a narrow lead.

Colour Run — Mermaid crews set colourful spinnakers as they race downwind in challenging conditions during the championship weekend at Foynes. Photo: Roisin Mc Cormack

Sunday brought lighter conditions and a steady 10-knot breeze. The change suited Darrach Dineen's Endeavour, which produced two race wins, finishing level on points with Three Chevrons before taking the championship on countback.

Racing throughout the fleet remained close and competitive across both days. Race Officer Michael Head was praised for setting courses that made the most of the varying conditions, with assistance from deputy race officer Scorie Walls.

The championship also highlighted the efforts of race management teams, safety crews, mark layers, shore volunteers and clubhouse staff who supported the event on and off the water.

Saturday evening's championship dinner brought competitors together to celebrate the class's strong community spirit, with sailors sharing stories from the day's racing before presentations and festivities continued into the night.

The overall championship podium featured competitors from Rush and Foynes.

Title Triumph — Munster Mermaid Championship winners Endeavour crew Darrach Dineen, Lucy Keane and David Erswell receive the championship trophy at Foynes Yacht Club following their countback victory. Photo: Roisin McCormack

Overall Results
1st: Darrach Dineen, Lucy Keane and David Erswell (Endeavour 102, Rush Sailing Club)

2nd: Vincent McCormack, Roisin McCormack and Michael Lynch (Three Chevrons 119, Foynes Yacht Club)

3rd: Jim Carthy, Muriel O'Hare and Muirenn Kennedy (Vee 123, Rush Sailing Club)

The Mermaid fleet now turns its attention to the Classic Regatta at the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire on 20-21 June.

Published in Mermaid, Royal Irish Yacht Club

Published in Mermaid

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