Irish Sailing Youth Nationals

After four days of intense competition on Belfast Lough for 205 competitors, the Irish Sailing Youth National Championships ended on Sunday 24th April 2022 in all six disciplines with several outstanding performances over the series.

The popularity of the Topper in Ireland was proven by the class fielding the largest fleet at the championships - 50 Topper 5.3's competed over the eight race series, across a wide range of conditions. Many of the fleet are now in training for the Topper Worlds in Riva Del Garda.

Local sailor from the hosting Ballyholme Yacht Club, Bobby Driscoll - son of Atlanta '96 Finn Olympian John, was a clear winner ahead of clubmate Emily McAfee in the Topper 5.3 event and Peter Kenny from Wexford Harbour in third.

The 2023 championship is scheduled to be sailed at Howth at the usual slot in the calendar of immediately after Easter.

Full Results

Photos by Dave Branigan