Defending Champions Ben O’Shaughnessy and Ethan Spain will lead a strong Irish contingent at the U23 49er European Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal from 10–14 November. 49erFX sailors Elysia O’Leary and Alan Twomey will also compete.
Ben O’Shaughnessy (Royal Cork Yacht Club) and Ethan Spain (National Yacht Club) return to defend their U23 European title from 2025. The Irish Sailing Development pair have enjoyed another strong season, gaining valuable experience competing against senior Olympic-level crews while continuing to deliver impressive results at U23 level.
A highlight of their season was a fifth-place finish at the Junior 49er World Championships in Medemblik, The Netherlands, in July. Having qualified for Gold Fleet in 19th position, the pair climbed 14 places through the final series, recording two race wins and two fourth-place finishes along the way.
Completing the Irish line-up are Elysia O’Leary (Royal St George Yacht Club) and Alana Twomey (Royal Cork Yacht Club), who will compete in the 49erFX fleet.
The up and coming pair have continued to build their international experience throughout 2026. Their Kiel Week campaign was hampered by equipment problems, leaving them 47th overall, while a ninth-place finish at the UK Nationals in September included some encouraging individual race results.
With defending champions and developing talent all in action, the championships provide an important opportunity for Ireland's next generation of skiff sailors to finish their European season on a high.
Racing gets underway on Wednesday, 11 November, with three races scheduled per day. Further information and results are available on the International 49er Class Association website.