Mast-high waves, strong south-westerly winds, and international competition made Mayo Mayhem 2026 one of its biggest editions yet, with riders from Ireland, Britain, France, and Poland competing on the Mayo coast.
The event, supported by RWE, saw French rider Baptiste Cloarec secure the Pro title following a dramatic final at Elly Beach, while Britain's Mark Henderson won the Amateur division.
Irish success came through Amy O'Donnell in the Women's fleet and Joshua Roberts in the inaugural Under-18 competition, with Fionn Lynch receiving the Future Pro/Mikey Clancy Award.
Atlantic Conditions Deliver Two Days of Competition
After a Thursday warm-up at Elly and Cross Beach, competitive action began on Friday at Cross Beach, where south-westerly winds, Atlantic swell and sunshine provided an ideal opening.
Competitors completed nearly 20 heats across the Pro, Amateur, Women's and Under-18 divisions before a large spring tide brought racing to a halt.
Conditions intensified on Saturday when the competition moved to Elly Beach.
Strong side-shore winds, waves reaching from logo to mast height and competitors using sails as small as 3.4–3.7 square metres produced demanding conditions for the international fleet.
Forward loops, backloops, push loops and aerial wave riding featured throughout the day as competitors pushed for places in the finals.
Cloarec Wins Dramatic Pro Final
The Pro competition produced some of the weekend's most spectacular sailing, including an experienced Irish wave sailor's double-forward attempt, Timo Mullen, during the semi-finals. Although Mullen missed the final, his attempt was among the event's notable performances.
The final pitted France's Baptiste Cloarec and Nicolas Quéméner against Britain's Lucas Meldrum and Ireland's Julius Byrne.
Meldrum built an early advantage with powerful wave riding and aerial manoeuvres, while Byrne stayed competitive against the international field.
Cloarec gradually increased his score with large backloops and a one-handed Goiter before producing the decisive move in the closing minutes. A push loop earned the French sailor 8.67 points, bringing his winning heat total to 31.37 and securing the Mayo Mayhem Axe.
Air Time – Strong side-shore winds and mast-high Atlantic waves provided the testing conditions for spectacular aerial manoeuvres during Mayo Mayhem 2026 at Elly Beach. Photo: Maleen Hoekstra
Pro results
- Baptiste Cloarec (France)
- Lucas Meldrum (UK)
- Nicolas Quéméner (France)
- Julius Byrne (Ireland)
Henderson Takes Amateur Honours as O'Donnell Wins at Home
The Amateur final was contested in one of the weekend's largest waves, with Britain's Mark Henderson and Poland's Pawel Jankowski battling for the title.
Henderson's clean forward loop proved decisive, giving him the win over Jankowski, while Ireland's Cathal Clarke finished third. French rider Clément Créach completed the top four.
Amateur results
- Mark Henderson (UK)
- Pawel Jankowski (Poland/Ireland)
- Cathal Clarke (Ireland)
- Clément Créach (France)
In the Women's competition, Mayo rider Amy O'Donnell overcame international opposition to claim victory on home waters.
O'Donnell faced French competitors Taina Postec and Maïwenn Deffontaines, along with Ireland's Aoife Cooke, in a final contested in challenging wind and wave conditions.
Women's results
- Amy O'Donnell (Ireland)
- Taina Postec (France)
- Maïwenn Deffontaines (France)
- Aoife Cooke (Ireland)
Roberts Claims Inaugural Under-18 Title
Mayo Mayhem introduced an Under-18 fleet in 2026, giving younger windsurfers a chance to compete alongside established Irish and international riders.
Joshua Roberts, Oscar Roe, Mateusz Lotocki and Sam Comey faced some of the most demanding conditions they had experienced. As the wind and waves built, the safety team halted the youth competition.
Roberts was declared the inaugural Under-18 champion. Fionn Lynch received the Future Pro/Mikey Clancy Award for his enthusiasm, positive attitude, and commitment to windsurfing.
Weekend Concludes with Blacksod Prize-Giving
Following the competitive programme, riders and supporters gathered at Una's Pub in Blacksod for the prize-giving and evening celebrations.
Prize Winners – Mayo Mayhem 2026 champions celebrate at the Blacksod prize-giving after a weekend of international competition, with French, British and Irish riders sharing the honours across the Pro, Amateur and Women's divisions. Photo: Matthew Burridge & Conor Ryan
The sailing continued beyond the formal competition, with further sessions at Cross Beach and Faulmore on Sunday and logo-high waves at Elly on Monday.
Mayo Mayhem's combination of international professionals, Irish competitors, amateur sailors and emerging youth talent has become a central feature of the event. The 2026 edition brought together some of the strongest conditions and performances seen at the Mayo competition, setting a high standard for its return in 2027.
The event's growing reputation follows its recognition as Irish Sailing's Event of the Year at the 2026 national awards, with organiser Malcolm Scott accepting the honour.
