Northern Ireland Sailing Team alumni sailor, Oisín McClelland, has headed to Nanay Cay in the British Virgin Islands to defend his 44-Cup title.
The 32-year-old, who originally hails from Donaghadee Sailing Club in County Down, won last year’s 44-Cup despite tough competition among some of the best inshore yacht racers in the world.
He forms an integral part of Aleph Racing as an Offside Trimmer- a position central to the speed and boat handling of the vessel.
On board Aleph, Oisín joins an experienced crew of professional sailors, but 44-Cup rules state that the boat’s owner must helm the boat, only receiving tactical advice from others on board.
About the racing
Typically, three races are held each day, which consist of two laps of a windward-leeward course, but no racing was held on the opening day of competition due to too much wind.
Unlike traditional inshore racing, there are some unique aspects to the 44-Cup. For safety reasons, to alleviate congestion and prevent collisions at the top mark, there is an ‘inner mark’. boats on port tack approaching the top of the course must leave to port (as must those wishing to gybe after rounding the top mark).
The overall 44-Cup champion each year is determined by adding together every team’s four best fleet racing scores from the five events, with the lowest score winning.
Oisín’s sailing journey
Oisín began his sailing journey at Donaghadee Sailing Club, making it onto the Northern Ireland Topper squad and then he quickly progressed into the ILCA class.
After competing successfully as a youth, he then transitioned into the Finn, where he spent several years training and competing full-time.
Although he did not achieve his ultimate goal of reaching the Olympic Games, Oisín is living proof that there are countless pathways for sailors to pursue, with yacht racing now his full-time career.
We wish Oisín all the best in this year’s 44-Cup!
If you would like to read more the current Northern Irish Sailing Team or past Olympians, click here.
