Limerick yacht club successful hosts prestigious championship
Competitors travelled from clubs throughout the country to take part in the championship hosted by Foynes Yacht Club, with the Estuary providing a wide variety of sailing conditions
FOYNES Yacht Club welcomed sailors from across Ireland to the Shannon Estuary for the 2026 J24 National Championship, which concluded following a memorable weekend of highly competitive racing and warm hospitality ashore.
Competitors travelled from clubs throughout the country to take part in the championship, with the Estuary providing a wide variety of sailing conditions. Friday brought very blustery weather, Saturday delivered ideal racing conditions, and strong winds returned for the final day.
Despite the challenging weather, an impressive nine races were completed under Race Officer Derek Bothwell and his experienced race team. The challenging courses tested the skill, determination and seamanship of every crew, with many competitors describing the event as some of the best and most enjoyable racing they had experienced in a long time.
Mark Usher, President of the J24 Association, praised the high standard of racing and expressed his hope that the fleet would return to Foynes again in the future.
The overall championship title was won by Conor Haughton and his crew aboard Jupiter from Wicklow Sailing Club. The team delivered an outstanding performance, recording six race victories during the nine-race series.
There was also a tremendous home result for Foynes Yacht Club, with Darragh McCormack and his crew aboard Stouche securing second place overall. Team Snoopy from Carlingford Lough Yacht Club completed the championship podium in third place.
In the Silver Fleet, Jelignite from Lough Ree Yacht Club took first place, followed by the Under-25 crew aboard Kilcullen from Howth Yacht Club in second and Proud Mary in third.
The Under-25 division was won by Kilcullen from Howth Yacht Club, with Jambalaya from the Royal Cork Yacht Club finishing second and Lady J from Tralee Bay Sailing Club taking third.
The strong participation of young sailors was one of the most encouraging features of the championship. The Under-25 crews displayed considerable skill, determination and sportsmanship throughout the event and were a credit to their respective clubs.
The championship was equally memorable ashore, where competitors enjoyed the renowned hospitality of Foynes Yacht Club. Old friendships were renewed, new friendships were formed and the camaraderie associated with the J24 class was evident throughout the weekend.
Saturday night’s entertainment revealed plenty of talent away from the racecourse, with sailors taking to the floor as singers, dancers and musicians during a hugely enjoyable evening at the clubhouse.
Commodore of Foynes Yacht Club, Patricia McCormack, thanked the competitors, officials, sponsors and volunteers who helped make the championship such a success.
“Hosting a National Championship is a major undertaking, and its success was due to the extraordinary commitment of our race team, organising committee, clubhouse team and the many volunteers who gave their time so generously,” she said.
“We were delighted to welcome sailors from every corner of the country to Foynes. They brought wonderful racing, friendship and good humour to the club, and we hope they returned home with many happy memories of their time on the Shannon Estuary.”
Foynes Yacht Club has a long and proud sailing history, with generations of sailors contributing to the maritime tradition of the Shannon Estuary. The successful staging of the 2026 J24 National Championship has added another memorable chapter to that history.
With the boats now sailed for home, the friendships and memories created over the weekend will remain as Foynes Yacht Club looks forward to the 2027 sailing season.