Junior Champions' Cup Brings Ireland’s Top Youth Sailors to Schull
The Irish Sailing Junior Champions' Cup returns this year to the Fastnet Marine Outdoor Activity Centre in Schull, Co. Cork, where some of the country’s most talented young sailors will compete on the weekend of 20–21 September.
While the event brings together Ireland’s best youth sailors much like the Irish Sailing Youth Nationals, it offers something unique, the chance for these champions' to go head-to-head in a one-design fleet once a year, to become the champion of champions'. This year’s lineup also boasts a near 50/50 balance of invited boys and girls, ensuring a strong mix of talent and representation from clubs across the country.
Reigning champions Cora Naughton of Blessington SC and Isha Duggan of Royal Cork YC will return to defend their title. While both are helms in the 420 fleet, Cora won the Nomination after coming second in their class nationals and picked her winning partner from last year’s Champions' Cup to join her on the field again.
Local hopes will be high in Schull, with Ryan O’Driscoll, captain of Schull Community College Sailing Club (SCCSC), fresh from leading his team to victory in the Irish Schools Team Racing Nationals and the Elmo Trophy alongside his crew Lucy Copthorne. Another local star, Daniel Copthorne of Schull Harbour Sailing Club, comes to the event after winning the 420 Nationals earlier this season with his crew Matt Mapleback.
Representing the Optimist class are sisters Maeve and Emily Donagh from the Royal St. George Yacht Club (RSGYC). The pair have dominated the Optimist class throughout the past year, standing on the podium at both the Irish Sailing Youth Nationals and the Optimist Nationals. They will be joined by their crews Gemma Brady and Grace Keating both of Lough Derg YC. Dylan O'Sullivan of Royal Cork YC will also represent the class with his crew Rory Whyte.
Caoilinn McDonnell returns to her fourth Champions' Cup, previously she had been crew for her brother Fiachra McDonnell but has also won her own nomination in the Optimist, ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 classes over the years. She is joined by crew Killian Power of Schull Harbour SC for some local knowledge.
This year’s Champions’ Cup brings together a wide representation of sailors from many classes, each proudly representing their home clubs across Ireland. We look forward to welcoming them to Schull for not only a weekend of great racing, but also a true celebration of sailing on our island.
To see the Event Homepage and FULL list of competitors
CLICK HERE