Hosted by Howth Yacht Club, the second running of the Melges 15 Irish National Championships in Howth proved to be a thrilling weekend of competition and camaraderie. A warm welcome was extended to all competitors, and special thanks go to Provident CRM for its title sponsorship.

Event Overview & Format

The event kicked off with a Friday evening practice race before two full days of competition. But as always with the Melges 15 class, the on-the-water racing was matched by the off-the-water entertainment. Howth Yacht Club put on its trademark hospitality, with a lively BBQ and evening entertainment bringing sailors, families, and supporters together.

One of the defining features of the Melges 15 fleet is its strong sense of camaraderie. Sailors are not just rivals on the racecourse but a community keen to share knowledge, lend a hand, and encourage each other - something that was evident throughout the weekend in the boat park, at registration, and around the club. This atmosphere, combined with the club’s warm welcome, made for a fantastic championship both socially and competitively.

Competition Highlights

On Saturday, four races were held off Ireland’s Eye in spring tide conditions, with wind building from 4 to 13 knots. Three teams broke clear of the pack: Scotia Ryer & Mike Huang led the field after two race wins; Sean Donnelly & Greg Arrowsmith followed closely; and Marty & Rachel O’Leary held third, securing a win in race 4.

On Sunday, three more races in patchy 6–13 knot conditions completed the seven‑race series. Sean Donnelly & Greg Arrowsmith (RStGYC) clinched the championship in a dramatic final-race shoot‑out, making a bold gybe at the windward mark that secured a lead they never relinquished. They won 3 of the 7 races and took the title on countback ahead of the O’Learys

Jamie Tingle and Cathal O’Regan finished strongly in fourth. The Lyttle siblings, Katie and Morgan (RStGYC), claimed the Best Family Team Award, finishing seventh overal

Fleet & Participation

A record fleet of 21 Melges 15s competed, showing strong popularity across ages and categories, from the youngest crew combined age 28 to the oldest at 111. The class continues to grow, with 37 boats now in Ireland and an exciting 2026 calendar in the works.

RaceSense Technology

For a second year running, the event leveraged cutting-edge Vakaros RaceSense technology. Each boat was equipped with a Vakaros instrument (Edge/Atlas) integrated with RACESENSE software, enabling real-time broadcasting of start times and immediate OCS alerts directly to every competitor’s display. Race‑specific units were stationed on the committee boat and all marks, providing instant feedback if a boat crossed early—or had dipped below the line—and allowing sailors to correct immediately. The system delivered valuable race‑data and ensured smooth starts with no general recalls, despite tricky spring ebb tide conditions.

Special Mentions & Awards

• Best of the Howth boats: Mike Evans & Jerome Aguesse, finishing 5th overall.

• Top Under-20 Female: Ciara McMahon (HYC)

• Youngest Sailors: Julien O’Leary and Dillon Tanaka

• Best Family Team: Katie & Morgan Lyttle (RStGYC)

Thanks & Acknowledgements

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the many volunteers.  In particular, a huge shout out to

• Provident CRM, our title sponsor - thank you for your generous support.

• Our Race Team, led by Richard Kissane, whose expertise and execution were critical.

• All our volunteers, especially those who managed registration on Friday night and Saturday Morning.

Thanks to everyone involved for making the 2025 Melges 15 Irish National Championships such a memorable and smoothly run event.

Race Report by Cormac Farrelly, Event Chair

Link to Results 

Link to Day 1 Photos

Link to Day 2 & Prizegiving Photos

Photographer Credit, Gonçalo Melo Reis⁩

Videographer and Drone coverage, Bow Media