Howth Yacht Club played host to an exhilarating weekend of sailing as the 2024 Melges 15 Irish National Championships unfolded on August 24-25.

The event showcased the rapidly growing popularity of this versatile dinghy class, which has taken Ireland by storm since its introduction just a year ago.

Video: Event Wrap-Up and Competitor Interviews

Experience the excitement of the 2024 Melges 15 Irish National Championships through our wrap-up video, featuring thrilling drone footage and exclusive interviews with competitors.

A Rising Star in Irish Sailing

The Melges 15, a product of the renowned US boat builder Melges, has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the sailing world. With over 850 boats built and having clinched the Boat of the Year award in 2022, the M15's appeal lies in its stability, ease of handling, and adaptability to various crew combinations. From family duos to all-female teams and teenage crews, the Melges 15 is proving to be a truly versatile platform for the future of sailing.

Ireland has embraced this exciting class with open arms. What started as a fleet of 11 boats in Dún Laoghaire last year has now expanded to include another 13 boats in Howth, bringing the total to 24 across the country.

The National Championships saw an impressive turnout of 19 boats on the starting line, a testament to the class's rapid growth and popularity.

Photo Gallery: Pre-Race Preparations

Browse through our gallery showcasing crews rigging up their Melges 15s onshore, and also plenty of action on the race course

Day One: Champagne Sailing Conditions

Saturday dawned with perfect racing conditions - a bright blue sky, winds up to 18 knots from the west, and a flat sea. Race Officer Richard Kissane and his team were ready to provide top-notch race management, aided by the cutting-edge Vakaros RaceSense software.

Each boat was equipped with a Vakaros Atlas instrument, which automatically synced with the RaceSense network. This innovative system provided real-time information to competitors, including countdowns, OCS (On Course Side) warnings, and clear signals for postponements and general recalls.

A special mention goes to Ross McDonald of Ropedock, who expertly managed the RaceSense setup on the committee boat.

The race team delivered four superb races, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. The competition was fierce, with a different winner in each race, highlighting the depth of talent in the fleet. By the end of the day, competitors had covered an impressive 50 nautical miles, with top speeds reaching an exhilarating 17 knots!

Evening Festivities

After a day of adrenaline-pumping action on the water, sailors gathered for the championship dinner following the class AGM. It was a perfect opportunity for crews from both sides of the bay to share their experiences and enjoy some well-deserved craic.

Spot prizes were awarded for the most spectacular capsize (Ronan Murphy), fastest speed (Doc and Teddy), and top couple (Theo and Clodagh).

Day Two: Safety First

Sunday brought challenging weather conditions, with forecasts predicting gusts up to 30 knots. After careful consideration and an hour-long assessment of the conditions, Richard and his team made the prudent decision to abandon racing for the day. This decision was met with quiet relief from the competitors, allowing the event to conclude on the high note of Saturday's excellent racing.

Celebrating the Champions

The event culminated in a prize-giving ceremony at noon on Sunday. Commodore Neil Murphy opened the proceedings, setting the stage for the celebration of achievement. Special awards were presented to Sarah McLoughlin for first female helm, Florence Butler for first female crew, and Will Cullen for first male crew.

The podium finishers were then announced:

• Overall Winners: Daragh O'Connor and Brian (Teddy) Byrne from Howth Yacht Club, crowned as the inaugural 2024 Melges 15 National Champions
• 2nd Place: John Sheehy and his niece Katie Sheehy from Royal St. George Yacht Club
• 3rd Place: Mike Evans and his son Andrew from Howth Yacht Club

Photo Gallery: Prize-Giving Ceremony

A special mention goes to Goncalo Melo from Bowmedia, who traveled from Lisbon, Portugal, to capture stunning drone footage of the event, ensuring that the excitement of the championships can be remembered  and relived for years to come.

The 2024 Melges 15 Irish National Championships at Howth Yacht Club proved to be a resounding success, showcasing the best of what this exciting new class has to offer. With its growing popularity and the enthusiasm of its sailors, the future looks bright for Melges 15 racing in Ireland.

Report by Cormac Farrelly: Event Organiser