75 young sailors took part in the National YC junior flag regatta of the year this wednesday in Optimist, RS Feva, Topper, ILCA and Terra. The spirit of the regatta was however surely “the Fairies team” sailing the NYC RS venture just about missing climbing on the podium of the PY fleet on gear failure.
The harbour fleet saw 21 sailors battling in two fleets under the leadership of Race officer Chris Moore. 3 races were completed in a lovely 8-10 kts North Easterly breeze. In the Optimist fleet, NYC young sailor Dylan Fahy finished strongly winning the final race and the regatta ahead of RstGYC Samuel McIntyre and NYC club mate Lily Ryan who was also top girl. In the PY fleet, NYC Toppers dominated with Ebhard Blaney edging out the singing master Jack O’Donnel. Royal Irish YC Michael Lehane completed the podium on his Terra.
Out in the bay, Larry Power ran 3 races too for the more experienced sailors split into 4 fleets. The Optimist fleet was very competitive with several Irish national team sailors taking part. The RstGYC took all 3 podium spots with Louis Tricket freshly returned from France were he competed at the French summer cup on top, just about edging out Ava Molloy and Ruairi Slattery. The RS Feva was equally competitive with 8 partnerships battling for Gold. Cian Farrell and Alex Hoban from the RstGYC took the win ahead of RIYC Harvey Bellamey and Rupert Ward. Stephanie Rock and Zoe O Hare completed the podium.
The ILCA fleet was dominated by Holly Cantwell freshly returning from the Optimist world championship showing no trouble progressing into the more powerful boat. RIYC Roan Keane just about edged out NYC Liam Beirne for silver.
Finally the PY fleet showed a good mix of dinghies.
It was to be the 29ers making the most of the conditions with George Julian O Leary and Dillon Kennedy edging out club mates Dan Moran and Jamie Keegan. The podium was completed by NYC Dylan Hall sailing his Topper.
The regatta concluded with the traditional BBQ and the awaited and well deserved ice cream courtesy of Haagen Dazs before presenting the 2026 podiums.
Sunshine, smiles, gentle breeze… All the ingredients were in place for an amazing 2026 regatta!
Next on the junior harbour racing: The Royal Irish junior regatta next Wednesday and of course the NYC junior September series starting mid Sepetember this year.
Results – Harbour Fleet
Results – PY Main Fleet
Results – Main Fleet Optimists
Thomas Chaix – Head Coach
