Irish Sailing’s performance sailors have begun 2026 in impressive fashion, competing and training across Europe and the southern hemisphere as preparations continue for another high-level international season.
In Lanzarote, Sienna Wright is representing Ireland at the ILCA Under 21 World Championships, taking place from 19- 24 January off Marina Rubicón. The regatta has attracted 148 sailors from seven ILCA regions, with twelve races scheduled to decide the world titles. Meanwhile also in Lanzarote, Eve McMahon is training as part of her winter performance programme, continuing her preparations for the season ahead.
Down under, Ewan McMahon and Finn Lynch have been racing in the southern hemisphere, competing at the Australian Championships in Hobart, where Finn Lynch finished 4th and Ewan McMahon placed 8th in their fleets, while in at the 2026 New Zealand ILCA National Championships in the Bay of Islands, Finn Lynch finished 3rd overall in the ILCA 7 fleet and Ewan McMahon finished 6th overall. These regattas provide valuable experience against world-class fleets.
Adding to the positive momentum, Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour have recently joined the Irish Sailing senior squad and are excited to begin their 2026 season, marking an important step forward in their performance pathway.