Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

RBC Brewin Dolphin proudly supporting Afloat and Irish Boating

Pritchard Wins MBSC Christmas Race on St Stephen’s Day

27th December 2025
“Harry
Harry Pritchard topped the MBSC Christmas Race 2025, ahead of Thomas Chaix and Commodore Ewen Barry with his daughter Thea (above), in cold conditions and a light NE breeze. Scroll down for a photo gallery Credit: Bob Bateman

Harry Pritchard took overall honours at the Monkstown Bay Sailing Club (MBSC) Christmas Race on 26 December. Sailing an ILCA 7, he won on corrected time.

Second place in the Cork Harbour race went to Thomas Chaix in an RS Aero 7. He finished close behind after a competitive race.

Harry Pritchard took overall honours at the Monkstown Bay Sailing Club (MBSC) Christmas RaceHarry Pritchard took overall honours at the Monkstown Bay Sailing Club (MBSC) Christmas Race

Thomas Chaix in an RS Aero 7 in the Monkstown Bay Sailing Club (MBSC) Christmas Race on 26 December Photo: Bob BatemanThomas Chaix in an RS Aero 7 in the Monkstown Bay Sailing Club (MBSC) Christmas Race on 26 December Photo: Bob Bateman

Third place was claimed by Ewen Barry, crewed by his daughter Thea, in a Fireball. The pair completed the podium in challenging conditions. 

A cold day with a light north-easterly breeze and a strong ebb tide tested the fleet. Lower-rated boats found the windward mark difficult to round.

“We were lucky to get racing at all on St Stephen’s Day,” said one observer. “Despite the conditions, everyone enjoyed being on the water.”

Racing was followed by warm refreshments in the clubhouse.

MBSC Christmas Race on 26 DecemberMBSC Christmas Race on 26 December

MBSC Christmas Race on St Stephen’s Day Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

Afloat.ie Team

About The Author

Afloat.ie Team

Email The Author

Afloat.ie is Ireland's dedicated marine journalism team.

Have you got a story for our reporters? Email us here.

We've got a favour to ask

More people are reading Afloat.ie than ever thanks to the power of the internet but we're in stormy seas because advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news sites, we haven't put up a paywall because we want to keep our marine journalism open.

Afloat.ie is Ireland's only full-time marine journalism team and it takes time, money and hard work to produce our content.

So you can see why we need to ask for your help.

If everyone chipped in, we can enhance our coverage and our future would be more secure. You can help us through a small donation. Thank you.

Direct Donation to Afloat button