29er Nationals Report
As summer looked like it might finally have arrived the 29er National Championships kicked off in the Royal St. George Yacht Club from the 19th to 21st June 2026, supported by Covy Watersport and Irish Sailing.
With 10 teams, all relatively new to the fleet, they competed with the mix of conditions only Dublin Bay could throw at them.
To allow time for travelling teams, some of whom were still sitting state exams a late start and only two races were planned for Friday. A full card of 5 races was achieved on Saturday once the sea breeze kicked in and on Sunday light airs allowed for a further 3 to make up a competitive 10 race series.
Race Officer Barry O’Neill wasted no time in turning around the races. His team were busy as this highly competitive class saw some of the boats finishing within in seconds of each other.
First time 29er eventers Julian O’Leary and Dillon Kennedy (RStGYC) claimed the top Boys team with some very consistent sailing. Another set of newcomers to the class Emily and Annabel Ridout (Ballyholme YC) picked up the best the top Rookie team, showing that their strong Feva abilities translate nicely in to the skiff class.
Gemma Brady and Grace Keating (NYC & LDYC) took home a silver Irish Sailing medal in second place followed closely by Lousie Hanley and Sebastian Wright (YC) in third.
The standout team of the event was Juliet Ryan & Ella Rock (RStGYC) with 11 points from 10 races they were always going to be hard to catch. Their results saw them take home not only 2 Irish Sailing medals as overall National Champions and Women’s National Champions but also the u17 National Championship prize.
In a weekend that had plenty of sun, swimming and burgers on the deck in the George on Saturday it was a good showcase for double handed sailing in youth fleets as there could be. The 29er fleet will look to build on the success of the National Championships and with the standard of sailing on show it is clear evidence that the fleet is moving in the right direction.
Next up for some of the sailors is the World Championships in Kiel, Germany. Having previously qualified at the Youth Nationals in April in Ballyholme YC and the Eastern Championships in NYC in May, Juliet & Ella, Gemma & Grace and Louise & Seb leave for Germany next weekend.
Meanwhile the rest of the fleet will have their eyes on Double Ree which runs on the 25/26 July.
Results can be found here – https://www.sailwave.com/results/9er%20Nats%20Race%20Results.htm
