Please select your home edition
Edition

Northern Irish Sailors shine at RS Feva UK National Champsionships

by RYA Northern Ireland 29 May 02:21 AEST
Northern Ireland yeam - Rooster RS Feva UK Nationals at Dalgety Bay © RYA Northern Ireland

Northern Irish bring home silverware from British Nationals with World Championships on the horizon

Eleven Northern Irish sailors recently travelled to Scotland to compete in the RS Feva British National Championships. Emily and Annabel Ridout (County Down), Matt and Peter Ridout (County Down) Ross and Martha Nolan (County Down), Ben McCaldin (County Fermanagh), Jessica Dadley Young and Sally Nixon (County Down) and Ellie Nolan and Niamh Coman (County Down), all made the trip over to Dalgety Bay to compete in the 188-sailor fleet for four days of intense racing.

All Northern Irish sailors made it into the Gold Fleet, which represents the top selection of boats after the initial races, highlighting the quality of local sailors here in Northern Ireland.

At the finish of racing on Tuesday 27 May, sister duo Emily and Annabel Ridout finished sixth overall and second girls' team. Meanwhile, young sailor Ben McCaldin finished 21st overall and first Junior. This was Ben's first competition in this boat, which highlights his overall class as a sailor.

Elsewhere in the fleet, Matt and Peter Ridout finished twelfth, Ross and Martha Nolan finished seventeenth, Jessica Dadley Young and Sally Nixon finished 31st and Ellie Nolan and Niamh Coman 35th.

Following the event, Performance Manager of the Royal Yachting Association of Northern Ireland, Andrew Baker, said: "It was a testament to the team to complete all races in such challenging conditions. Given that not so long ago we could only aspire to having a Feva squad, let alone any results, I am very proud of all our sailors who have forged the way for the development of this class in NI and Ireland.

"I am also encouraged by the number of single-handed sailors getting involved and suggesting they are keen to do double-handed sailing too. Our next step is to build a 29er programme to aid some of the older members to transition over the summer and into the Winter while encouraging the wider NI Sailing community and classes to embrace these young sailors into the sport for life, showing them community sailing can offer."

Some of these Northern Irish sailors will be travelling to the World Championships which will be hosted at Aix-les-Bains in France in July, so it is encouraging to see them carry strong form through to the summer.

See the full results or read more about the sailors on the Northern Ireland sailing team.

Related Articles

Zhik Nordic Youth Sailing Championship preview
This year's regatta will be the largest of its kind ever hosted in Tallinn Tallinna Yacht Club brings one of the biggest sports events of the summer to Haven Kakumäe - 300 young sailors expected at the Zhik Nordic Youth Sailing Championship, plus just as many supporters on shore! Posted today at 3:00 pm
18th Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona day 1
Opening victories and nautical splendor This week, Barcelona once again takes center stage in the world of classic sailing as the 18th edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica gets under way. The opening day delivered ideal conditions for a spectacular display on the water. Posted today at 12:28 pm
Rolex Fastnet Race: IRC Two Preview
With 73 entries in IRC Two, the Rolex Fastnet Race is set to deliver a striking display. Could two new JPK 1050s upset the apple cart in IRC Two? Jean-Pierre Kelbert has a habit of breaking the mould in IRC racing, and his new 34-footer may well be a game changer in this competitive division with 73 entries. Posted today at 10:36 am
The Long Laser Lunch – a reunion to remember
Sailors from every state reunited over lunch like it was just another regatta weekend. Last month 93 Laser sailors from across the country gathered at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for what became a truly unforgettable reunion. Posted today at 10:19 am
Offshore at 16
Will Farnell, the ORCV's Youth Sailor of the Year 2025 The ORCV is proud to announce Will Farnell as the recipient of the 2025 Youth Sailor of the Year award—a young sailor whose love for the sea runs generations deep and whose commitment to the sport has already made waves far beyond his years. Posted today at 8:52 am
Seldén Rodkicker 50 - manual rigid vang
Specifically sized for yachts between 50 and 55 feet A Rodkicker rigid vang is designed to enhance sail handling during reefing and allows for greater sail trim control. Posted today at 8:00 am
WASZP Games 2025: Talent & fun descend on Weymouth
Poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history The 2025 International WASZP Games, set to take place from July 19–25 at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, are poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history. Posted today at 7:23 am
Queensland Yachting Survey 2025 Feedback
The results are in, gathering valuable insights directly from the sailing community Following this year's Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, a group of passionate and experienced individuals from the sailing community gathered to discuss the current state of yachting in Queensland. Posted today at 5:18 am
Transpac 2025 Update: Moon River Tonight!
The magic of offshore racing in the 2025 Transpac A vast ocean separates Los Angeles, California, from Honolulu, Hawaii, but the boats racing in this year's Transpac have now crossed the halfway mark. Race leaders are in the tradewinds and making their approach to the Aloha State. Posted today at 12:26 am
All smiles among first finishers of the AEGEAN 600
The fastest teams crossed the finish line today at Cape Sounion As the fastest teams crossed the finish line today at Cape Sounion and made their way to the harbour at Olympic Marine, there were exhausted smiles all around. Posted on 10 Jul