IODAI Ulsters Report 2025
OPTIMIST ULSTERS ENJOY STRONG TURNOUT AT EAST ANTRIM BOAT CLUB
The 2025 Optimist Ulster Championships took place over the weekend at East Antrim Boat Club in Larne, drawing over 100 young sailors from across the country. Despite torrential rain all day Saturday, Race Officers Richard Doig and Gavin Doig successfully delivered a full schedule of races across all four fleets. Conditions improved on Sunday, providing brighter skies and more stable racing.
East Antrim Boat Club showed their usual warm hospitality and smooth organisation. Particular thanks are due to Gavin and Jill Doig and all the EABC team for hosting such a well-run and enjoyable family event.
In the Senior Main Fleet, Kate Spain of HYC and RSGYC took the overall win. Fresh from representing Ireland at the Optimist European Championships in Turkey, Spain sailed a consistent series to finish at the top of the leaderboard. Isaac Vaughan of RCYC, also recently returned from the Europeans, placed second. Holly Cantwell of RSGYC completed the podium in third, ahead of her departure for the Optimist World Championships in Slovenia next week.
Kate Spain, Kate Spain of HYC and RSGYC, won the Senior Main Fleet at the Optimist Ulsters at EABC this weekend. Fresh from representing Ireland at the Optimist European Championships in Turkey, Spain sailed a composed and consistent series to finish at the top of the leaderboard.
Photo credit to Lesley Craig
Photo credit to Lesley Craig
The Junior Main Fleet saw the rise of the Under 12 Team sailors who will represent Ireland at the British Nationals in Weymouth in August. George Creighton of RCYC and MBSC claimed first place with a strong set of results. Jess Walsh RSGYC followed closely in second, with Oscar Rowan of WHSC claiming third.
George Creighton, of RCYC and MBSC, won the Junior Fleet. George is on the Under 12 team that will represent Ireland at the UK Nationals in Weymouth this August. Photo credit to Lesley Craig
In the Regatta Racing Fleet, Will McElligott RCYC/ISC finished first after eight races. Kate Walsh of RSGYC secured second, and Sian Barry SDC went home in third.
Winner of the Racing Regatta fleet was Will McElligott of RCYC and ISC, pictured with Regatta Fleet Coach Adam Walshe. Photo credit to Lesley Craig
The Coached Regatta Fleet was won by Patrick McMichael of SLYC, with newcomers Mary Kenneally and Eva Ryan, both of MBSC, placing second and third, respectively.
Looking ahead, the Irish Optimist Worlds Team will compete at the 2025 Optimist World Championship in Portorož, Slovenia, from 26th June to 6th July. The Worlds Team – made up of Maeve Donagh, Emily Donagh, Lily Donagh, Charlotte Crosbie, and Holly Cantwell will represent Ireland on the world stage, and the entire Optimist community extends best wishes for a successful campaign.
Next up on the national circuit is the Optimist Connacht Championships at Lough Derg Yacht Club, taking place July 19th–20th. Sailors are encouraged to enter by this Friday via iodai.com to avail of the early booking discount. Camping places are now available to book for what is sure to be a fun event.
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