Fun, Friendship and National Titles at the 2026 Irish & Open Optimist Championships
After more than a year of preparation, the Royal Cork Yacht Club proudly hosted the largest dinghy event in the country, and as the final cannon sounded on Sunday, one thing was clear, we delivered. Nearly 180 sailors and their families left Crosshaven with boot-loads of memories, new friendships, and some well‑earned silverware.
It was a true club-wide effort, and the way our members came together was a testament to the culture, spirit, and generosity that define RCYC.
Team Racing Nationals – Wednesday 12th
The week began with the Irish Team Racing National Championships, featuring eight teams and a full day of intense racing. After 27 flights of qualifiers, semis, and finals, two outstanding teams emerged:
1st Velocity – Irish Open Team Racing Champions
- Dylan O’Sullivan (RCYC) – Captain
- George Creighton (RCYC / BSC / MBSC)
- Oscar Rowan (RCYC / WHSC)
- Charlie Holland (RLymYC / HISC)
2nd Royal Corkers – Irish Team Racing National Champions
- Siofra Buckley (RCYC / KYC) – Captain
- Lilly Sheridan (RCYC / WHSC)
- Jamie Blennerhassett (RCYC / KYC)
- Brendan Hughes (RCYC)
A brilliant start to the week and a proud showing for RCYC sailors.
Irish & Open Nationals – Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th
Main Fleet:
The Main Fleet featured 110 sailors, evenly split between Senior and Junior divisions. Racing took place between Cuskinny and the Outer Harbour under the expert guidance of PRO Anthony O’Leary and his team, who delivered an outstanding 10‑race series despite fog, light northerlies, and shifty conditions. Sunday finished in style with three superb races in fresh southwesterlies.
Anthony praised the sailors for their discipline on the start line and their ability to adapt to changing conditions, a hallmark of top‑level Optimist racing.
Senior Division
Dylan O’Sullivan (RCYC) was the top RCYC finisher, taking 2nd place and the Irish Sailing Silver Medal after a tight battle at the top. Fresh from finishing 2nd at the British Nationals in Largs the week before, Dylan capped off an incredible fortnight and now holds both the British and Irish U14 National Champion titles. His performances have earned him selection for the 2026 Renaissance Junior Gold Cup in Bermuda later this year.
George Creighton (RCYC/BSC/MBSC) continued his remarkable season, finishing 3rd overall, including a win in the penultimate race to keep the pressure on the leaders. George’s consistency and determination mark him as one of the standout talents of the year.
RCYC sailors filled nine of the top twenty places, a phenomenal achievement and testament to their hard work and the club coaches and systems that support them.
Other Notable Finishers:
- Cara Scallan (RCYC / MBSC) 4th Bronze
- Olliver Keneally (RCYC/MBSC) 5th Bronze
Jamie Blennerhasset – showing skill and focus throughout.
Junior Division
The new Irish & Open Junior National Champion is Brody Hayes (RCYC/MBSC). Brody delivered an exceptionally consistent series, winning four day prizes and securing the title in commanding fashion. At just 11 years old, he has an exciting future ahead.
Brody Hayes (RCYC / MBSC) & Dylan O’Sullivan (RCYC)
Other strong RCYC results included:
- Seamus Hurley (RCYC)– 7th
- Jack Ryan (RCYC/MBSC)– 9th
- Nicholas Nyhand (RCYC) 3rd Bronze
All these sailors have shown huge development this season.
Seamus Hurley (RCYC) fine tuning off the breeze.
Regatta Racing
The Regatta Racing Fleet welcomed 35 emerging sailors from across Ireland. Under RO Barry Rose, his team, and IODAI Head Coach Adam Walsh, racing took place daily on Curlane Bank using a triangle course.
Competition at the top was fierce, but Barry highlighted how fair, courteous, and sportsmanlike the group was — always helping each other and always smiling.
Notable RCYC results:
- Dara O’Súilleabháin – 2nd (RCYC/MBSC) with an impressive four race wins
- John McElligott – 6th (RCYC/ISC)
- Nicholas Nyhan – 3rd Bronze (RCYC_
Lead mark layer Gary O’Neill noted how the gaps at the top closed each day as the sailors improved. Post‑race swims at Luck Beach (Loughbeg) and Fox’s Cover added to the fun and camaraderie.
Mary Keneally, Beatrice O’Sullivan and Cara Scallan enjoying the dingy park buzz
Regatta Coached Fleet
The 33 sailors in Coached Regatta Fleet completed 11 races, with the focus firmly on skills development and building confidence. Guided by a large team of club coaches under IODAI Lead Coach Timothy O’Neill, this group showed huge progress throughout the week.
Notable RCYC finishers:
- George How – 4th
- Molly Collins – 10th
Shoreside & Social
We worked hard to give visitors a true Royal Cork welcome and the theme for the week was “Family & Friends”.
The event opened on Wednesday when Admiral Denis Byrne fired the opening cannon and Seamus Hurley hoisted the event flag.
From daily In‑It‑To‑Win‑It challenges, Thursday Games Night, and a fiercely contested Tug O’War (won by the girls!), to Pimms on Friday, a BBQ for 400 people on Saturday, and endless fun throughout, we showcased RCYC at its best.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, thanks to the tireless efforts of our club staff: Gavin, Amy, Mark, Tom, and Dave and their teams.
It Takes a TEAM
Across the four days, nearly 100 volunteers contributed, with around 70 on the water each day. Many took time off work and gave everything they had, and we are deeply grateful.
Senior Fleet Race Management
- Anthony O’Leary – PRO
- Sally O’Leary
- David Harte
- Marita Buwalda
Finish Boat
- Tim McCarthy – Finish Team Lead
- Peter Crowley
- Kay Bermingham
- Edwin Crinion – Results Officer
- Eoghan Williams
Jury
- Craig Evans – Jury Chair
- Ian Venner
- Mick McCann
- Derek Moynan
Pin Boat
- Aidan O’Connell
- Jon Rodgers
Regatta Fleet
- Barry Rose – RO
- Dick Gibson
- Pauline McKechnie
- Roddy Hogan
- Gary O’Neill
Registration & Prizegiving
- Lorraine O’Sullivan
- Mairead Hayes
Beach, Safety & Trackers
- Ronan Duggan
- Aoife Buckley
- Fiacra Rowan
- Jimmy Nyhan
- Lexi Venner
CFO – Chief Fun Officer
- Colum O’Sullivan
The A-Team – Main Event Management Team
Coaching Team
RCYC was represented by an exceptional coaching team: Ben O’Shaughnessey, Oisin Pierse, and Rory Whyte. All products of the club system and holders of World, European, and National titles. Their commitment, positivity, and influence on our young sailors are invaluable. Thank you, Ben, Oisin, and Rory.
In Regatta Racing and Coached we were delighted to see JP Curtin, Fionn Daly, Fionn Hayes, Daisy Walsh and Lucy Moynan supporting the developing group. We had some really great feedback from parents on their enthusiasm and focus.
Final Thanks
As we lower the event flags and pack away the last of the gear, I want to offer a heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who made the 2026 Irish & Open National Championships such an unforgettable celebration of youth sailing.
This week wasn’t just about races, results, or trophies, it was about friendship, teamwork, and the incredible spirit that defines the Optimist community. Watching 180 young sailors launch each morning with excitement, resilience, and smiles was a reminder of why we do what we do.
To our volunteers, sponsors, race teams, coaches, and club staff: you are the heartbeat of this event. Your energy, professionalism, and generosity created a safe, fun, and world‑class championship. We could not have delivered this without you.
And to the Royal Cork Yacht Club: thank you for opening your doors to the Optimist fleet. You showed once again why RCYC is such a special place to sail.
We leave this championship with new friends, new memories, and renewed excitement for the season ahead. The future of Irish Optimist sailing is bright and it’s because of all of you.
Stephen O’Sullivan
RCYC Optimist Class Captain & 2026 Optimist Nationals Event Chair
