As Howth Yacht Club gets ready to host the Irish Sailing Awards 2024 tonight, we wish all the best to our exceptional HYC sailors who have been nominated in various prize categories.

Each nominee has showcased exceptional talent, dedication, and sportsmanship at national and international level, and we are proud to have them represent our Club at such a prestigious event.

“Irish Sailor of the Year” Nominees

Eve McMahon – Eve represents HYC in the ILCA 6 class at the highest international level and, as we speak, she is consistently in the top positions at the ILCA U21 Europeans. Her extraordinary journey included winning the ILCA 6 Youth European championships, and the ILCA 6 Youth World Championships in 2022, to be crowned U21 ILCA 6 World Champion in 2023 thus securing her spot at 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Rob Dickson & Seán Waddilove – Rob and his crewmate Seán successfully sailed their 49er towards their second Olympic qualification last November at the European Championship in Vilamoura, Portugal.

Harry Dunne – Harry has made a remarkable impact on the youth sailing scene with his Optimist achievements. In 2023, he won the Irish Youth Nationals and claimed the Optimist Class Leinster, Munster, and National titles. Representing Ireland at the Optimist Worlds in Spain in 2023, Harry has now transitioned into the ILCA 4 class.

Rocco Wright – Rocco won the ILCA 6 Youth National Championship in 2023 and sealed a podium finish at the Men’s European Championship with a solid performance that granted him the Bronze Medal.

Cillian Dickson and Headcase – J24 National Champion in 2022, Cillian and Headcase showcased even stronger performances in 2023 grabbing both the Corinthian J24 World Champion title and the J24 European Champion title.

John Murphy – John won the “Champion Boat” award at the conclusion of the 2023 ICRA Nationals with J109 Outrajeous. A passionate win in our home waters that also brought him Afloat’s “Sailor of the Month (Regatta)” title last September.

David O’Shea – David is HYC Howth 17 Class Captain and Afloat’s July 2023 “Sailor of the Month (Classics)” who skilfully organised the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Class with a history-making visit of the entire fleet to West Cork.

“Irish Sailor of the Year” and “Irish Youth Sailor of the Year” Nominee

Sienna Wright – Sienna has emerged as a rising star in the ILCA 6 class internationally. After taking to the podium at the Youth World Sailing Championships in 2023, in January 2024 Sienna won the ILCA 6 Under 17 World Title as well as the overall Silver Medal in her ILCA6 class.

We are incredibly proud of our nominees and their achievements. They outstandingly represent Howth Yacht Club in our sport and inspire the next generation of sailors.

Fair winds also to all Members and staff at Howth Yacht Club as we are contestants as “Club of the Year” at tonight’s ceremony.

We wish all sailors the best of luck at the Irish Sailing Awards 2024!

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