Mercedes-Benz to sponsor RS400 Eurocup, UK and Irish National Championships 2025
by Gerry Reid 16 Apr 18:52 UTC
3-8 August 2025
Nigel Gilbert (Mercedes-Benz of Northern Ireland head of business) and Gerry Reid (event director) ahead of the RS400 Eurocup © Mercedes-Benz
The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club is delighted to announce that Mercedes-Benz of Northern Ireland, part of the Agnew Group, will be the title sponsor of the RS400 Eurocup and UK/Irish Nationals, set to take place on Belfast Lough from 3rd-8th August 2025.
This partnership brings together top-level racing and a leading premium automotive brand with Northern Ireland locations in Belfast and Portadown in what promises to be a standout event on the high-performance dinghy sailing calendar in the UK and Europe.
The championships are expected to attract some of the best RS400 sailors from across the UK and Europe for what should be a competitive and enjoyable week on the water. Representing RNIYC, former World Champion Ross Kearney and Andrew Vaughan will be aiming for a top-10 finish, while fellow club sailors Peter Kennedy and Stephen Kane, with Olympic experience behind them, will also be ones to watch.
From Ballyholme Yacht Club, current Irish champions and recent RS400 Winter Series winners Bob Espey and Michael Ferguson will be strong contenders. Barry McCartin will also feature among a strong Irish fleet. From England, Chris Eames and Rachel Tilley are set to join the action with a new boat, and with Chris's local knowledge of Belfast Lough, they'll be hoping for a strong showing.
Event Director Gerry Reid commented:
"We're pleased to welcome Mercedes-Benz of Northern Ireland as title sponsor for this year's RS400 Eurocup and Nationals. It's a great fit, and we look forward to working with the Mercedes-Benz team to deliver an exciting event for both competitors and spectators."
Mercedes-Benz of Northern Ireland Head of Business, Nigel Gilbert:
"It gives us great pleasure to partner with the RS400 Eurocup and Nationals for 2025. Mercedes-Benz has a heritage in racing, performance, design and technology, so with this year's event taking place locally in Royal North of Ireland Yacht club it was an ideal match for our Mercedes-Benz locations in Belfast and Portadown. We look forward to supporting what promises to be a successful event this summer."
Event brochure and other documents at: rniyc.org/eurocup-2025-1