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Buckley Siblings Shine in Kinsale Junior Sailing League

9th August 2026
Fresh Faces: Young sailors compete in Kinsale Yacht Club's revived Tuesday evening junior racing series, where more than 20 boats took to the water during the O'Leary Life-sponsored July league.
Fresh Faces: Young sailors compete in Kinsale Yacht Club's revived Tuesday evening junior racing series, where more than 20 boats took to the water during the O'Leary Life-sponsored July league Credit: Brian Goggin

Junior racing made a successful return to Kinsale Yacht Club this July, with more than 20 boats taking to the water each Tuesday evening.

The series was coordinated by Bill Appelbe, with Tim Cronin serving as Race Officer and supported by a team of volunteer parents on and off the water. The emphasis was firmly on participation and enjoyment, welcoming experienced racers alongside youngsters taking to a start line for the first time after completing their sailing courses.

In the Topper fleet, Rory Buckley claimed overall honours with a series of consistent performances. His sister, Síofra Buckley, fresh from representing Ireland in the Optimist class, finished second. Annabelle Goggin secured third, followed by Grace Appelbe in fourth and Annabelle Wilson in fifth.

The Optimist fleet was won by Ally O'Riordan, with Olaf Sorensen taking second place and Penny Sorensen finishing third.

The club thanked O'Leary Life for sponsoring the July series. Tuesday evening racing continues throughout August under the sponsorship of the Kinsale Collective.

Published in Youth Sailing, Kinsale
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