Three Chevrons have won the 2026 Irish Mermaid National Championship after a week of changing conditions and consistently strong performances at Rush Sailing Club.
Vincent McCormack, Michael Lynch and Roisin McCormack secured the title with a race to spare on the final day before completing the championship with a historic first national crown for the 1966-built Mermaid.
The concluding day brought a complete contrast to the previous three, with a light 5–8-knot breeze replacing the fresh winds that had dominated the championship. While the wind was steadier, a strong tidal influence and a 180-degree wind shift presented competitors with a fresh tactical challenge.
The opening race tested both sailors and race officials.
An initial start was abandoned after a major wind shift, while a second attempt ended in a general recall. Race Officer Scorie Walls then displayed the U Flag before the fleet finally got away cleanly at the third attempt.
Mayhem (190) judged the opening beat perfectly to lead around the first windward mark.
However, Helen (76), sailed by Roger Bannon and crew, took control on the downwind leg and went on to record a deserved victory. Jill (134) finished third, while Three Chevrons (119) crossed fourth—enough to clinch the championship before the final race.
With the title decided, the fleet lined up for one last contest.
Former national champion Paddy Dillon, sailing Endeavour (102), demonstrated his light-air speed by leading from the early stages to take the final race victory.
Helen (76) capped an impressive finish to the regatta with another second place, while Wild Wind (131) completed the podium.
The championship rewarded versatility throughout its eight-race series. Competitors faced strong, shifting breezes during the opening days before adapting to lighter winds and powerful tides on the finale.
Final Overall Results
- Three Chevrons (119) – 23 points
- Helen (76) – 24 points
- Innocence (188) – 28 points
Rush Sailing Club and its volunteers were thanked for delivering a successful championship, while Race Officer Scorie Walls and the race management team completed the full eight-race schedule despite testing conditions.
The victory is a landmark achievement for Three Chevrons. Built in 1966 by Charlie M. Sargent, the boat had never previously won the Mermaid National Championship.
