The Dinghy Champions’ Cup returns this weekend, with all the action set for Sunday, October 5th at the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Originally planned as a two-day regatta, the schedule has been condensed to a single day of racing due to the strong winds of Storm Amy, which is expected to sweep through Cork on Friday and Saturday.
This year sees a change in format, with the Irish Sailing Champions’ Cup split into two dedicated weekends: Keelboat and Dinghy. The new approach is designed to encourage greater participation and ensure fairer racing conditions across the fleets. Despite the weather disruption, excitement is building for what promises to be a high-intensity contest in the National 18 class, with both new and familiar faces, ready to put their boat handling to the test.
Several past champions are returning to chase another title. Reigning Champion Robert Espey is back after his 2024 victory in the RS400s at Royal North, while two-time winner Ger Owens will once again be in the mix, representing the GP14 class and Wicklow Sailing Club.
Among them, rising talent Tom Coulter, a sailor from the Irish Sailing Development Programme, will compete after earning the ILCA 7 nomination. He’ll be sailing alongside academy sailor Charlie Keating adding an exciting young partnership into the mix.
Family teamwork will be on show as Sean Donnelly lines up with his brother Tadgh, having secured his place through a strong win at the Melges 15 Nationals in Howth earlier this summer.
Home representation will be strong too, with Sophie Crosbie carrying the flag for Royal Cork YC and the Aero 6 class and Alex Barry, 2016 Champion and this year’s National 18 class nominee. Sailing with crew Sam Hunt this pair will be one to watch closely due to their familiarity with both the boat and the waters of Royal Cork.
Adding further excitement, the U25 Fireball World Champions, Daniel and Harry Thompson, join this year’s line-up, bringing international calibre to an already competitive fleet.
With racing compressed into a single day, to maximise the action, the first gun has been brought forward, ensuring as much racing as possible can be completed. Sailors and Volunteers alike can expect a jam-packed day of competition as some of Ireland’s finest dinghy sailors battle for the Champions’ Cup salver at Royal Cork YC.