A strong Ballyholme Yacht Club contingent is set to compete at the Irish Sailing Youth Nationals from 9–12 April on home waters.
Six sailors will represent the County Down club across multiple fleets, aiming to build on recent results at one of the key youth events of the season.
Twins Alex and James Eadie step into the ILCA 4 class after progressing through the Topper fleet. Alex was the first girl at the Topper Youth Nationals and Topper Ireland, while James placed second as a youth boy at both the Southerns and Northerns.
Topper Focus – Alex Eadie tracks the breeze in ILCA 4 racing on Ballyholme waters
Both sailors also competed in the gold fleet at the Topper World Championships. They have since trained with Northern Ireland Sailing Team coach Chris Penney and coach Roger Craig, focusing on tactics and race strategy.
In the RS Feva class, Sally Nixon and Jessica Dadley Young target a podium finish in their final season together. The pair placed third overall at the John Minnis Youth Championships and second at the RS Feva Nationals Grand Prix at Ballyholme in 2024.
They are also preparing to represent Ireland at the RS Feva World Championships in Travemünde later this year.
Cormac Byrne will race in the ILCA 6 fleet following a busy international schedule. He competed at the Europa Cup in Germany in a fleet of 140 sailors and qualified for the gold fleet.
ILCA Charge – Cormac Byrne trims for speed in ILCA 6 action during high-tempo racing
“Having home support and opportunities like this on our doorstep makes a massive difference,” Byrne said. “It enables us to continue developing and competing at this level.”
Caroline Byrne will compete in the Topper class. She is part of both the Irish Sailing squad and Northern Ireland Sailing Team, with recent wins including first girl at the John Minnis NI Youth Championships and first junior female at the Topper Northern Championships 2025.
Topper Drive – Caroline Byrne keeps pace in the Topper fleet in testing conditions
Ballyholme Yacht Club will host sailors from across the country for the four-day regatta, with racing expected to be highly competitive.
