Ireland’s young dinghy sailors were tested across a wide range of conditions in the 2026 Optimist Sprint Series, held over three legs in February and March.
More than 40 sailors from Senior and Junior Main Fleets competed, with racing hosted at the National Yacht Club, Malahide, and Monkstown Bay.
The opening leg on Dublin Bay brought light and shifting winds of 3–5 knots. Four races were completed in highly tactical conditions, demanding careful positioning and precise boat handling.
Malahide offered a contrast. Racing took place on flat water with a steady breeze building from 7–8 knots to 12 knots, allowing sailors to focus on speed and consistency across another four races.
The final leg delivered the strongest test. Monkstown Bay saw winds of 17 knots, gusting to 22 knots, challenging competitors’ boat handling and confidence in heavier conditions.
In the Senior fleet, George Creighton (RCYC/BSC/MBSC) secured overall victory with five race wins and 17 points. Oscar Rowan (WHSC/RCYC) finished second, while Felix Crinion (RSGYC) took third. Lily Sheridan (RSYC/WHSC) placed fourth overall and was the top female sailor.
In the Junior fleet, Rian Foy Joyce (LRYC) claimed gold, followed by Ben Chaix (TBSC) in second and Andrew Arthurs (RSGYC/LDYC) in third.
Prize Glory — George Creighton (RCYC/BSC/MBSC) receives overall winner’s prize at the 2026 Optimist Sprint Series prizegiving after a consistent three-leg performance
Second Secured — Oscar Rowan (WHSC/RCYC) collects second place prize at the 2026 Optimist Sprint Series prizegiving following strong results across all three legs
Third Place — Felix Crinion (RSGYC) is presented with third overall prize at the 2026 Optimist Sprint Series prizegiving after consistent racing performances
Top Girl — Lily Sheridan (RSYC/WHSC) receives first girl award at the 2026 Optimist Sprint Series prizegiving after finishing fourth overall in the senior fleet
Junior Gold — Rian Foy Joyce (LRYC) receives Junior fleet winner’s prize at the 2026 Optimist Sprint Series prizegiving after leading the fleet across all three leg
The series provided a broad learning platform, from light-air tactics to high-wind control. Organisers said the varied conditions offered “valuable racing experience” ahead of the Youth Nationals in Ballyholme this April.
Attention now turns to regional regattas scheduled across the country this summer.
