The NI Sailing Team has confirmed its 2026 Topper and ILCA squads, marking an important first step in the season ahead. The announcement follows a productive opening training weekend in Killyleagh, where selected sailors came together for two days of on-water development, fitness work, and performance planning.
A focused start to the season
Across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, sailors from both squads took part in a mix of water sessions, boat-handling fundamentals, and decision-making exercises designed to embed early-season consistency.
Friday also brought parents together for an informal Q&A, where those new to the squad could ask questions about the season ahead and experienced parents offered valuable insight from years of supporting their young sailors.
Coaches reported a strong atmosphere across the group, with several sailors stepping confidently into the new season and showing early signs of leadership within their fleets.
2025 NI Sailing Team Squads
Below is the full list of selected athletes confirmed for the Topper and ILCA squads.
Topper Squad
| Sailor | Club |
|---|---|
| Adam Green | Lough Erne YC |
| Ben McCaldin | Lough Erne YC |
| Caroline Byrne | Ballyholme YC |
| Charlie Haslett | Strangford Lough YC |
| Edward Reynolds | Donaghadee SC |
| Emma West-Hurst | Ballyholme YC |
| Hugh Hutchinson | Royal North of Ireland YC |
| James Westhead | Strangford Lough YC |
| Leo West-Hurst | Ballyholme YC |
| Penny Doig | East Antrim BC |
| Daniel Long | East Down YC |
| Max Boyd | Ballyholme YC / Quoile YC |
ILCA Squad
| Sailor | Club |
|---|---|
| George Doig | East Antrim BC |
| Matthew Holden | Ballyholme YC |
| James Eadie | BYC / Donaghadee SC |
| Alex Eadie | Ballyholme YC |
| Zoe West-Hurst | Ballyholme YC |
| Polly Robinson | Ballyholme YC |
| Freddie Doig | East Antrim BC |
| Isabel Nixon | Ballyholme YC |
| Cormac Byrne | Ballyholme YC |
| Joseph Robinson | Ballyholme YC |
| Emily Macafee | Ballyholme YC |
| Daniel Palmer | Ballyholme YC |
| Bobby Driscoll | Ballyholme YC |
| Tom Coulter | East Antrim BC |
Building towards the season ahead
The opening weekend in Killyleagh marks the beginning of a structured training and competition programme that will support each sailor’s development through the coming year.
The NI Sailing Team will continue to share updates throughout the season, including event reports, training insight, and behind-the-scenes content that showcases the pathway for young sailors across Northern Ireland.
