Six weeks of fiercely sailed racing came to a close last Saturday, bringing a successful Autumn League to a triumphant finish. Across the series, 56 races were completed, two masts were broken (and fixed), one sailor took an unexpected dip, and countless miles were sailed. For the final day, the conditions delivered once again: blue skies, agreeable winds and eight fleets of sailors ready to give it one last push across the finish line.

The day unfolded in familiar fashion, with classes setting off on their Windward/Leeward and round-the-cans courses. There was still plenty of drama to be had, including a dastardly duel between Orla and Isobel, whose match racing took them all the way to the bottom of the fleet in a nail-biting finale.

The Kilcullen crew were well represented across several boats, dressing for the occasion of the final night's celebrations. Cian, in particular, committed to the look, donning a tuxedo beneath his oilies aboard Silvermoon.

There was also a special appearance from the U20s, who joined the final two races of Class 2 aboard a Club J80, helmed by Matthew Cotter. They pulled off what may well have been the best start of the entire league, port-tacking the entire fleet with ease.

Back ashore, a bumper prizegiving got underway, undeterred by a few technical hiccups. The Lambay Whiskey Spirit of the Autumn League awards recognised those who embodied the spirit of the series, including Dermot Skehan, who tracked down the missing Garbh mark in Week 4. Prizes from Scarlett for Yer Ma hot sauce, Craft Cocktails and Outcasts Sauna were also presented.

A special mention goes to Ben Fogarty of Changeling, who, at just 12 years old, took to the water every week to compete in this year’s Autumn League, making him our youngest sailor to sail every race. Also aboard Changeling was owner Kieran Jameson, who has sailed every Autumn League since 1992. With more than three decades of participation under his belt, Kieran’s Autumn League tenure spans almost three times the lifetime of his youngest crew member!

Overall prizes, perpetual trophies and Howth Pottery jugs, candle holders and spoon rests were presented, with the results as follows;

Offshore, The Big Picture (Michael and Richie Evans) took first in Class 1 IRC, with Lambay Rules (Stephen Quinn) second, while Indian (Simon Knowles) and General Lee (Colin and Kathey Kavanagh) claimed the top two places in Class 1 HPH. In Class 2 IRC, Dux (Caroline and Nico Gore Grimes) led the way ahead of Insider Again (Stephen Mullaney and Ian Martin), while Symmetry (Anton Korshunov) won Class 2 HPH ahead of Impetious (Fergal Noonan and Robert Chambers). Toughnut (Dermot Skehan) and White Pearl (David Greene) took first and second in Class 4 IRC, with Changeling (Kieran Jameson) and Alchemy (Russell Camier) doing likewise in Class 4 HPH. In Class 5 ORC, Leeuwin (Jason Murray and Eamonn Burke) secured first ahead of Demelza (Steffi Ennis, Windsor Laudan), while Timballoo (Lundy Dunne) and Phixius (Ray Costello, McShera and Quigley) placed first and second in Class 5 HPH. Battling J (MYC J24 Race Team) claimed the J24 Scratch Trophy.

Inshore, Alliance 2 (Vince Gaffney) won Class 3 IRC, while Lazy Bones (Pat and Neil Higginbotham) took first in Class 3 HCAP ahead of Gecko (Kevin Darmody). Deilginis (Massey, Toomey and Kenny) won H17 Scratch, with Isobel (Brian and Conor Turvey) second, while Silvermoon (Cian Archie) and Anna (Gerard Comerford) finished first and second in H17 HCAP. Harlequin (David Clarke) topped Puppeteer Scratch, ahead of Trick or Treat (Alan Pearson and Alan Blay). Gold Dust (Declan Browne) won the Snowgoose Trophy for Puppeteer HCAP, with Snowgoose (Sarah Robertson) second. Crackertoo (Jeff and Stephen Kay) took first in the Gilmour Cup, ahead of Fantôme (Caroline O’Kelly and Suzanne Barry), while Halloween (Gerard Loughran and Ross Hattaway) won Squib HCAP, with Aurora (Killian O’Kelly) in second place.

The overall series prize; the Heineken Trophy, went to the consortium of Massey, Twomey and Kenny aboard Deilginis, a fitting reward after six weeks of racing.

A huge thank you to our race management team, Gary Cullen, Jill Sommerville, Mary McDyer and Frieda from Howth Pottery, along with all the competitors who made this year's Autumn League, and the five Saturdays leading up to the finale, such a success.

As announced at the prizegiving, proposed dredging timelines for 2027 mean that we'll be bringing you “Not the Autumn League” next spring instead, culminating in the iconic Lambay Race in May.

Until then, best of luck to everyone over the winter months. We look forward to seeing you back on the water this spring!

Thanks to Michael Hennesy for photos this week - you can view the full Autumn League gallery here.