Northern Ireland sailors dominated the 2026 Topper Irish National Championships at Wexford Harbour Boat and Tennis Club at the weekend, taking a clean sweep of the overall podium in the 5.3 fleet and a string of national category titles.
NI success on the water
Ben McCaldin (Lough Erne Yacht Club) took the overall title and the Youth Male championship with a nett score of 13 points from nine races, winning three races along the way. Clubmate Adam Green finished second overall and second Youth Male, adding another major result to a season that already includes the GBR Topper National Series title.
Leo West-Hurst (Ballyholme Yacht Club) completed the overall podium in third and was crowned Junior Male national champion, with Charlie Haslett (Strangford Lough Yacht Club) taking second Junior Male in ninth overall.
Caroline Byrne (Ballyholme) was crowned Junior Female national champion, finishing seventh overall, with Penny Doig (East Antrim Boat Club) second Junior Female. Emma West-Hurst (Ballyholme / Royal Ulster) took second Youth Female in eighth overall.
There were more strong results through the 47-boat fleet, with James Westhead (Strangford Lough) 12th and Max Boyd (Ballyholme) 20th.
4.2 fleet
In the 4.2 fleet, Rhémy Polly (Ballyholme) finished fourth overall and first girl, with Evie Bailie (Ballyholme) seventh, Livia Westhead (Strangford Lough) eighth and John Miles Crossen (Ballyholme) tenth. Sarah Eagleson and Maisie McAnlis (both Donaghadee Sailing Club) finished 11th and 13th.
Competitors sailed nine races over the championship, with two discards. Congratulations to every NI sailor who made the trip to Wexford, and to the coaches, parents and clubs behind them.
Full results are available on Sailwave, and you can find photos and updates from the event on the Topper Ireland Facebook page.
