2025 will definitely seal the return of the Mirror class at the forefront of the Irish sailing scene, according to class promoters, and the September bad weather that led to two events being cancelled did not temper the enthusiasm of the sailors. Numbers are growing, the level of skills is increasing, young sailors are smiling, and double-handed skills in communication, coordination, and cooperation are being rewarded.
Malahide YC were hosting their annual dinghy regatta over the weekend of October 11/12 and the Mirror class took the opportunity to tag along and run their Easterns. Race officer Alex Walsh was certainly challenged all weekend by very light winds, remaining very uncooperative with big shifts and random gusts. Nothing to temper the spirit of the Mirror sailors, and after the morning coffee and croissant, they all headed afloat for some slow-motion battles.
Saturday was the lightest, but flat and tideless waters were very helpful in getting things going with the tiniest puff of wind. The first race went with a big pin-biased line... Newcomers John and Adam Scott, sailing a classic gaff rig, won the pin and port-tacked the fleet. They rapidly were overtaken by the other gaff rig helmed by Thomas Chaix and his daughter Alayna... Thomas rounded the top mark just ahead of John, with the two Winder boats sailed by National champion Ger Owens and his daughter, Robyn, and Max and Freya Treacy... The juniors were in slow pursuit, a little bit further back. Thomas held for a lap and a bit, but Ger's superior speed eventually got the best of him. Max completed the podium of the first race with Sam Smith and Ruben Nelson, 4th and top juniors. The second race saw the winder boats pull away early with Thomas keeping the chasing juniors at bay. And our race officer managed to squeeze an extra race yet agai,n won by Ger and Robyn ahead of Max and Freya... The battle was on for 4th and 5th with Michael and Ben battling with Catherine Walsh and Alannah Whelan all the way to the finish line... That is where practising roll tacks and keeping a cool head pays off!
Mirror sailing at Malahide
Sunday saw the arrival of all the other fleets ( toppers, oppies, ILCAs and the Windsurf Kona, who have their annual nationals at the MYC regatta). For the first race, the winds had not really settled, and at the game of cat and mouse with the elusive puffs, it was once more the same top 4 with Ger (who had a new crew on the day with Ger junior) confirming his grip over the overall troph,y and Michael and Ben having eyes well set on the Youth trophy. Race 5 saw the first big upset, leading to a few cheers. Max and Frey, despite big pressure from the chasing pack, managed to keep all behind to take their first race win of the season. Fast progressing Lucy Coulter ( with crew Dara) was climbing ranks, taking 4th on the line, leading the juniors. Another two races were sailed in steadier breeze from the east, blowing a welcome 4-5 kts. It was yet again two race wins for our Mirror champion, and the entertainment was elsewhere with Michael and Ben pushing Thomas and Alayna around the course... It was a very close race in race 6, with the boys losing by just a overlap at the gybe: "Dad was not ready yet to hand over a race to his son, but it's getting very close!" Lucy and Dara were also getting closer to the front, overtaking Sam Smith and Ruben Nelson for second youth overall. And we all headed in to a very welcome BBQ hotdog.
And so the event concluded. Favourites Ger and Robyn/Ger Junior held onto their Easterns Trophy for yet another year. The Best Youth were Michael Hanley and Ben Chaix.
The final event of the year was also the opportunity to reward season champions. Ger and Robyn Owens remained undefeated and were the 2025 champions. Michael Hanley and Ben Chaix were 4th overall and were Youth 2025 champions Lucy Coulter was voted as the Most Improved sailor for 2025.
Winners of the Youth trophy, Michael and Ben
2026 is already in preparation and the class is firmly on track to continue its growth... Get boats out of the garages (they are dry enough by now!), introduce your "little crews" to the joys of sailing and making friendships that usually carry for life. No better fun than the one the Mirror class can offer; adults and kids battling together in a true 7 to 77 activity.
Mirror Easterns 2025 results
Gold: Ger and Robyn Owens, WSC
Silver: Max and Freya Treacy. RstGYC
Bronze: Thomas and Alayna Chaix, NYC (1st classic)
Gold Youth: Michael Hanley and Ben Chaix, NYC/TBSC
Silver Youth: Lucy and Dara Coulter, SYC
Bronze: Youth: Sam Smith and Ruben Nelson, BlSC
Gold ladies: Annika Flynn and Gabrielle Walsh, NYC/BlSC
Silver ladies: Catherine Walsh and Alannah Whelan, NYC
Bronze ladies: Molly Nelson and Hannah O'Mearra, BlSC
