McDonnell can build from performance at ILCA U21 Europeans in Croatia
After six days of fierce racing and unpredictable conditions, the 2025 ILCA U21 European Championships & Open European Trophy came to a thrilling close in Split, Croatia. All 12 scheduled races were successfully completed for the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 Gold fleets, while the Silver fleet wrapped up with 11 action-packed races, capping off a demanding yet rewarding week on the water.
Ireland’s Fiachra McDonnell (Royal Irish Yacht Club) emerged with more valuable racing experience in the ILCA 7 class. Part of Irish Sailing’s Development Squad, McDonnell’s performances in gold fleet give an indication of his future potential and helped him finish a credible 14th overall in the 78 boat fleet.
Also part of the squad, Tom Coulter (East Antrim Boat Club) joined McDonnell in the Gold Fleet and finished 20th overall. In the Silver Fleet, Bobby Driscoll (Ballyholme Yacht Club) placed 14th, using the event as valuable preparation for the upcoming Youth Sailing World Championships in Portugal this December.
In the ILCA 6 class, Lucy Ives (Royal St George Yacht Club) earned her place in the Gold Fleet and finished a strong 29th overall in a highly competitive field. Italy dominated the ILCA 6 Women’s podium, with Ginevra Caracciolo claiming gold, followed by Maria Vittoria Arseni and Emma Mattivi taking silver and bronze respectively.
Ireland’s strong contingent also included Andrew Kingston (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Brian Carroll (Kinsale Yacht Club), who finished 45th and 67th respectively in the ILCA 7 Silver Fleet.
As the sailors came ashore after the final races, fatigue was matched only by pride after a week that tested every ounce of skill, endurance, and resilience. From shifting winds to strong currents, the ILCA U21 Europeans showcased the very best of youth sailing talent across Europe.
Next on the horizon for the Irish Sailing Development Squad is the 49er Junior European Championships in Italy, kicking off on 6th November. Following their U23 World Championship bronze, 49erFX sailors Erin McIlwaine (Royal St George YC/Newcastle YC) and Ellen Barbour will be among the key contenders to watch. They’ll be joined by Ben O’Shaughnessy (Royal Cork YC) and Ethan Spain (National YC) in the 49er class, who recently impressed with a strong senior debut at the 49er Worlds in Sardinia, along with Lucia Cullen (Royal St George YC) and Alana Twomey (Royal Cork YC) and Lauren O’Callaghan (National YC) and Charlotte Eadie (Ballyholme YC) who will compete in the 49erFX alongside Barbour and McIlwaine.
See full results from Split here - Results - 2025 ILCA Under 21 Europeans