The NI Sailing Team delivered a credible performance last weekend to retain the Celtic Cup held at Port Edgar, Scotland. Competing against strong opposition from across the home nations of Scotland and Wales, the team demonstrated consistency and resiliency throughout the event.
Sailed in challenging but fair conditions under the iconic Firth of Forth bridges, the regatta tested sailors with no less than seven windward-leeward races in strong Easterly breeze on Saturday. Despite both the rain and sun threatening to make an appearance throughout the weekend, the weather remained dry and as conditions moderated overnight, sailors and race officials were left with a flat calm on Sunday, making this year’s competition a one-day event.
Notable performances from our NI Athletes include Cormac Byrne and Joseph Robinson (BYC) in 2nd and 4th, respectively, in the ILCA 6 Class were Emily McAfee (BYC) also claimed First Girl.
Credit: Dougie Bell
In the Junior Topper Class Adam Green (LEYC), Ben McCaldin (LEYC) and Leo Westhurst (BYC) were 1st, 2nd and 3rd, making it an NI Podium.
Off the water, this event offers the sailors time with their peers from other nations, to plan their seasons, make new friends and gain independence away from home and their families.
“To win the Celtic Cup is a great outcome for our Sailors. To then retain the Cup shows depth and consistency. We have many other classes getting of the ground but it is important not to lose momentum with the Topper and ILCA as our primary fleets. We can always improve, and there a few areas will now address before the season really gets going, but I am proud of the team’s performance”
Andrew Baker, RYANI Performance Manager
The team’s success at Port Edgar is an encouraging season opener and provides momentum heading into upcoming competitions, including a ‘home games’ as Ballyholme YC host the Irish Sailing Youth Championships in April.
NIST 2026 Celtic Cup Team
Topper
Adam Green
Ben McCaldin
Caroline Byrne
Charlie Haslett
Emma West-Hurst
Leo West-Hurst
ILCA 6
Cormac Byrne
Joseph Robinson
Emily Macafee
Freddie Doig
George Doig
Isabel Nixon
