Racing on the opening day of the Irish Sailing Foundation Youth Sailing Nationals at Ballyholme Yacht Club was cut short due to strong winds on Belfast Lough.
Nearly 134 boats and just under 160 sailors launched on Thursday, 9 April. However, blustery conditions forced an early end to proceedings.
All fleets reached the race area, but Principal Race Officer Aidan Pounder made the decision to stand down racing as conditions deteriorated.
On the Youth Course, one race was completed for the ILCA 6 and 420 fleets. The 29er fleet did not race, with gusts exceeding limits, while the Feva fleet also failed to record a result.
Marcus Shelley leads the ILCA 6 fleet after one race. Conor Cronin sits second, with Joseph Robinson third.
In the 420 class, Daniel Coppithorne and Matt Mapplebeck took the opening win. Niamh Lynch and James Harvey were second, with Caoimhe Corkery and Riona McMorrow Moriarty third.
Arthur Fegan leads the Optimist fleet after one race. Holly Cantwell is second, and Emily Donagh third.
On the Junior Course, one race was also completed. Leo West-Hurst won the Topper race, followed by Caroline Byrne and Ben McCalden.
In the ILCA 4 fleet, Adam Green leads. Tom Darcy is second, with Polly Robinson third.
Racing is scheduled to continue over the next three days, with organisers monitoring forecasts closely to ensure safe competition.
The Irish Sailing Foundation is title sponsor, supporting youth pathways into high-performance sailing and international competition.
