Greystones Sailing Club played host to an action-packed weekend (10–11 August) for the RS200 and RS Feva fleets, drawing 17 RS200s and 26 RS Fevas to the east coast for their National Championships. The combination of lively breezes, strong race management, and tight competition made for a memorable regatta.
Day 1 – Westerly Power
Saturday served up a westerly wind of 15–25 knots, delivering fast, spray-filled reaches and challenging gybes. Race Officer Barry O'Neill and his team kept things running smoothly, firing off three races back-to-back. With gusts punching into the high twenties at times, boat handling was at a premium, and the day rewarded those who could balance speed with control.
Day 2 – Tactical Sunday
On Sunday, the wind shifted to the south and moderated to 10–18 knots, bringing more tactical racing and frequent shifts. Four more races were sailed, giving a full seven-race series. Consistency became key, with the podium decided by who could best adapt to the new conditions while managing risk in the crowded start lines.
RS Feva Nationals
Tight racing off Greystones at the RS Feva National Championships Photo: Alan Leddy
The 26-boat Feva fleet was a blend of youth, sibling, and parent/child teams, producing a weekend of tight racing.
Emily & Annabel Ridout were the standout performers, taking the overall championship despite a Black Flag disqualification in one race.
In the Parent/Child division, Matthew and Peter Ridout claimed top honours and second overall, followed by Martha and Ross Nolan in third overall.
RS Feva Overall Top 3:
- Emily Ridout / Annabel Ridout
- Jessica Dadley-Young / Sally Nixon
- Sean and Cian Hanley
RS200 Nationals
The 17-strong RS200 fleet delivered equally close-fought racing, but the title went to a team that combined speed with ruthless consistency.
RS200 Overall Top 3 (all from GSC):
- Marty O'Leary & Andy Verso / Kevin O'Rourke – 8 pts
- Tom Moran / Sarah Hoolahan – 11 pts
- Cian Swan / Caoimhe Swan – 15 pts
O'Leary, Verso & O'Rourke's scoreline of four race wins and never outside the top three in counted races set them apart, while Moran & Hoolahan stayed in the hunt with two race wins of their own. The Swans rounded out the podium, starting strongly with a win in Race 3.
The success of the weekend was down to the slick operation of Barry O'Neill and the Greystones SC race team, the tireless safety crews, and the shore volunteers. Seven races in varied conditions made for a true championship test — and a memorable event for all who took part.
GSC has been rebuilding its RS fleet over the last couple of years, with a particular focus on transitioning its strong Feva fleet into the pathway RS200. Now with 14 200s sailing in the club (10 took part in nationals) there are more due to join next season.
