As the international season kicks into gear in Vilamoura, Portugal, the Northern Ireland Sailing Team is right in the mix with sailors competing against some of the world’s best and earning national recognition along the way.
Erin McIlwaine & Ellen Barbour: Award Nomination Following Breakthrough Season
After an exceptional 2025 season, 49erFX duo Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour are proudly shortlisted for the Dubarry Irish Sailing Team of the Year Award at the 2026 Irish Sailing Awards. This nomination honours their breakthrough performances last year, including a bronze medal at the 2025 49erFX Junior (U23) World Championships and recognises their ongoing growth as high-performance sailors on the international circuit.
Awards announcement will happen on Thursday 5th March 2026
Live Racing: Portugal Grand Prix: Round 2 Underway
Across the Algarve coast in Vilamoura, the 8th Portugal Grand Prix – Round 2 is currently taking place (25–28 February 2026), bringing a huge fleet from around the world to race in Olympic-class dinghies, including ILCA 6, ILCA 7, 470, 49er and 49erFX.
This current regatta presents a valuable opportunity for sailors like Erin and Ellen and Bobby O’Driscoll to test themselves against top-tier international competition as they tune up for the 2026 season ahead.
