The CH Marine Ulster Championships launched the 2026 IODAI season at Strangford Lough Yacht Club in Whiterock, Co Down, over the weekend. A total of 123 sailors competed across the Senior, Junior and Regatta fleets in a varied weekend of racing on Strangford Lough.
Harbour Launch — Optimist sailors prepare to launch at Strangford Lough Yacht Club during the CH Marine Ulster Championships, the opening event of the 2026 IODAI season
Saturday brought steady southerly winds of 8–10 knots and dry conditions, allowing all fleets to complete three races in ideal sailing weather. Sunday proved more demanding. Showery conditions and unstable winds created large shifts across the race area as the breeze gradually moved from west to south.
A strong squall during the Junior fleet’s second race brought gusts of up to 18 knots, testing sailors’ boat handling and tactical skills.
In the Senior fleet, Maeve Donagh of RSGYC/LDYC secured overall victory with a consistent series across both days. Emily Donagh of RSGYC/LDYC finished second, while Dylan O’Sullivan of RCYC took third place.
Senior Winner — Maeve Donagh of RSGYC/LDYC receives the Senior fleet prize after winning the CH Marine Ulster Championships at Strangford Lough Yacht Club
Second Senior — Emily Donagh of RSGYC/LDYC receives her prize after finishing second overall in the Senior fleet at the CH Marine Ulster Championships
George Creighton of RCYC/BSC/MBSC finished fourth overall, with Kai Lawton of RSGYC completing the top five.
Local sailor Oliver Gundersen won the Junior fleet after making full use of his knowledge of Strangford Lough’s tides and currents. Gundersen recorded two race wins during the series. Jack Ryan of MBSC finished second overall, followed by Rian Foy Joyce of LRYC/RSGYC, Leo Smyth of RSGYC and Seamus Hurley of RCYC.
Junior Podium — Leo Smyth of RSGYC receives his prize after finishing fourth overall in the Junior fleet at Strangford Lough Yacht Club
The Regatta fleet also completed six races over the weekend. Tom Powell of RSGYC claimed overall victory with three race wins. Jamie Scallan of MBSC took second place, with Martha Nolan of RNIYC third. Will Butler of HYC and Dylan Fahy of NYC rounded out the top five.
The event marked a strong start to the 2026 IODAI calendar, with attention now turning to the Zurich IODAI Munster Championships in Dunmore East on 13–14 June.
