The 2026 World Sailing Youth Match Racing World Championship takes place this week in Middelfart, Denmark, from 21-25 June, bringing together some of the world's most talented young match racers for five days of intense head-to-head competition.
Ireland will be represented by a team skippered by Daniel Copithorne of Schull Harbour Sailing Club. Daniel is the current Irish Sailing Junior Helm Champion and has built an impressive record in both match racing and team racing over recent years. Having developed significant experience through national and international competition, he now has the opportunity to test himself against some of the best young sailors in the world.
Joining Daniel on the Irish team are Matt Mapplebeck, Jacob Collins, Ciara McMahon and Donal Walsh, who together have prepared extensively for this important championship.
Speaking ahead of the event, Irish Match Racing Association Chair Oisín Cullen said:
"IMRA is delighted to support Daniel and his team as they represent Ireland at the Youth Match Racing World Championships in Denmark. This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented young sailors to compete on the world stage, gain valuable international experience and showcase the strength of youth match racing in Ireland. We wish them every success throughout the championship."
The team's participation has been made possible through the generous support of a wide range of clubs, businesses and individuals. Special thanks go to Schull Harbour Sailing Club, McWilliams, Dubarry, Eurostyle, Spirit Motor Group, Knowio, Schull Watersports Centre, PT Aqua, INSS, National Yacht Club, Cedarlan, Gubbeen Farmhouse Products, Cully & Sully, O'Leary Life, the Burrows Family, Two Dogs Waiting and Simon Nelson.
Irish Sailing wishes Daniel and the entire team the very best of luck as they compete against the world's leading youth match racing crews in Denmark this week. We look forward to following their progress throughout the championship.
Pictured: L-R: Daniel Copithorne (Skipper), Matt Mapplebeck, Jacob Collins, Ciara McMahon and Donal Walsh ahead of the 2026 Youth Match Racing World Championship in Denmark.