Irish Match Racing Qualifier at Howth Yacht Club
by Scorie Walls 15 Apr 07:38 NZST
11-12 April 2026
rish Match Racing Qualifier at Howth © Karolina Kernan
The Irish Match Racing Association returned to Howth Yacht Club last weekend for an eagerly anticipated qualifying event. This fast-paced and highly tactical format continues to grow in popularity, testing the boat handling of these well practised teams.
With eight teams entered, including a visiting team from Poland, expectations were high for a competitive and entertaining weekend of racing. However, conditions proved challenging from the outset, with gusts exceeding 20 knots testing both crews and race management alike.
Undeterred, the Race Committee and competitors took to the water on Saturday, setting a short course between the West Pier and Ireland's Eye. Races were kept to a brisk 10-12 minutes, ensuring plenty of action. Despite some excellent and closely fought encounters, the strengthening breeze limited the day to just two flights before racing was abandoned.
Sunday brought renewed optimism, with a slightly improved forecast encouraging all teams back onto the water. The same race area and course configuration were used, allowing racing to resume promptly. Once again, however, the wind began to build throughout the day, eventually forcing the Race Committee to bring proceedings to an early close. Four additional flights were completed, and when combined with Saturday's results, enough racing had been sailed to produce an overall result—though not a full round robin series.
Congratulations go to joint winners Ruairi Finnegan and team, and Michal Grygelwski and team, who both delivered impressive performances in the demanding conditions.
While the event was ultimately curtailed by the weather, spirits remained high ashore. Competitors were broadly positive about the racing that did take place, even if left wondering what might have been under more favourable conditions.