The Irish Sailing Foundation Youth Nationals concluded on Sunday, 12 April, after four days of challenging and changeable conditions at Ballyholme Yacht Club in Northern Ireland.
Race officials advanced the first warning signal to 10 am on the final day in an effort to maximise racing. Fleets were launched as conditions briefly improved, though a later hail squall forced some sailors ashore.
The Optimist and ILCA 6 fleets completed two final races. ILCA 4 and Topper sailors were unable to finish their scheduled programme due to deteriorating weather.
Donagh Sisters Swap Top Spots
In the Optimist class, Emily Donagh secured overall victory, finishing two points ahead of her sister Maeve. Maeve had led early but a black flag disqualification proved decisive.
Philippa Arthurs completed the podium, recording a race win during the series.
420 Class Confirms Form
Daniel Coppithorne and Matt Mapplebeck maintained their lead in the 420 class to take first place. Sean Lemonnier and Killian Matthieu finished second, with Niamh Lynch and James Harvey in third.
The class delivered competitive racing despite testing conditions.
29er Results Stand
No further racing was possible for the 29er fleet, leaving Friday’s standings as final. Caoilinn Geraghty-McDonnell and Eoin Byrne took first place with two race wins.
Louise Hanley and Sebastian Wright finished second, while Juliet Ryan and Ella Rock secured third.
Strong Performances Across ILCA Fleets
Kate Spain claimed victory in the ILCA 4 fleet, followed by Adam Green and Alex Butcher.
In ILCA 6, Conor Cronin held a clear lead after the final races, ahead of Marcus Shelley and Eolann Miles.
Leo West-Hurst dominated the Topper fleet with three wins and two second places. Ben McCaldin finished second, with Cillian Fitzgerald third.
The RS Feva class, newly introduced to the event, was won by Ellie Nolan and Niamh Coman.
Feva Force: Ellie Nolan and Niamh Coman take RS Feva honours at Irish Sailing Youth Nationals, marking a strong debut for the class in Ballyholme
Recognition for Sportsmanship
The Dillon Family Trophy, awarded for sportsmanship, went to Tomas A Choistealbha of Malahide Yacht Club.
Spirit Award: Tomas A Choistealbha of Malahide Yacht Club receives the Dillon Family Trophy for sportsmanship at Irish Sailing Youth Nationals in Ballyholme
Irish Sailing Coach Development Officer Liam Glynn said: “It was a challenging four days, with strong winds testing the resilience and competitiveness of our young sailors.”
He added that the event “signals the start of a busy summer season”.
Racing Manager Stephen O’Shaughnessy noted the “stamina” of competitors and praised the race management team for completing a full series where possible.
Prizes were presented by Irish Sailing Director and International Race Officer Bill O’Hara.
