The 2026 Irish Multihull season got underway with challenging conditions and close competition at the Inland Championships on 16-17 May. Hosted by Blessington Sailing Club, the opening event of the season saw sailors face cold temperatures, gusty winds and shifting breezes funnelled around the Wicklow Mountains.
A strong fleet representing a range of multihull classes and experience levels gathered on Blessington Lake for two days of racing. Race Officer Joe Crilly set a series of windward-leeward courses despite the demanding conditions, supported by a safety team kept busy throughout the weekend.
In the high-performance C1 class, Matt McNicholl and crew Patrick Billington dominated proceedings. The pair recorded five race wins from six starts, discarding a second-place finish to secure an emphatic overall victory.
Top Team — Matt McNicholl and Patrick Billington claimed overall honours and the C1 class title after winning five of the six races sailed. Photo: IMA
The C2 fleet delivered some of the closest racing of the weekend. Competing against a mixed field of Darts, Hobies, Topkats and Catapults, Ronan Laff and crew Astrid Plass emerged on top after a consistent series.
C2 Champions — Ronan Laff and Astrid Plaas secured overall victory in the competitive C2 class after a weekend of close racing on Blessington Lake. Photo: IMA
The conditions also produced several dramatic moments. A number of crews suffered equipment failures as strong gusts and cold temperatures tested boats and sailors alike. One of the most memorable incidents came on the opening day when junior sailors Killian and Cillian pitchpoled their Spitfire catamaran in challenging conditions. The pair recovered from the capsize and returned to racing on day two, earning the Hamilton & Osburne Trophy as Best Junior Team.
Junior Grit — Junior sailors Killian Mathieu and Cillian Lemonier recovered from a dramatic Day One pitchpole to claim the Hamilton & Osburne Trophy as Best Junior Team. Photo: IMA
The successful championship marked a strong start to the Irish Multihull Association's 2026 season.
Attention now turns to the Eastern Championships at Swords Sailing & Boating Club on 13-14 June.
