Please select your home edition
Edition

Northern Irish Sailors shine at RS Feva UK National Champsionships

by RYA Northern Ireland 28 May 16:21 UTC
Northern Ireland yeam - Rooster RS Feva UK Nationals at Dalgety Bay © RYA Northern Ireland

Northern Irish bring home silverware from British Nationals with World Championships on the horizon

Eleven Northern Irish sailors recently travelled to Scotland to compete in the RS Feva British National Championships. Emily and Annabel Ridout (County Down), Matt and Peter Ridout (County Down) Ross and Martha Nolan (County Down), Ben McCaldin (County Fermanagh), Jessica Dadley Young and Sally Nixon (County Down) and Ellie Nolan and Niamh Coman (County Down), all made the trip over to Dalgety Bay to compete in the 188-sailor fleet for four days of intense racing.

All Northern Irish sailors made it into the Gold Fleet, which represents the top selection of boats after the initial races, highlighting the quality of local sailors here in Northern Ireland.

At the finish of racing on Tuesday 27 May, sister duo Emily and Annabel Ridout finished sixth overall and second girls' team. Meanwhile, young sailor Ben McCaldin finished 21st overall and first Junior. This was Ben's first competition in this boat, which highlights his overall class as a sailor.

Elsewhere in the fleet, Matt and Peter Ridout finished twelfth, Ross and Martha Nolan finished seventeenth, Jessica Dadley Young and Sally Nixon finished 31st and Ellie Nolan and Niamh Coman 35th.

Following the event, Performance Manager of the Royal Yachting Association of Northern Ireland, Andrew Baker, said: "It was a testament to the team to complete all races in such challenging conditions. Given that not so long ago we could only aspire to having a Feva squad, let alone any results, I am very proud of all our sailors who have forged the way for the development of this class in NI and Ireland.

"I am also encouraged by the number of single-handed sailors getting involved and suggesting they are keen to do double-handed sailing too. Our next step is to build a 29er programme to aid some of the older members to transition over the summer and into the Winter while encouraging the wider NI Sailing community and classes to embrace these young sailors into the sport for life, showing them community sailing can offer."

Some of these Northern Irish sailors will be travelling to the World Championships which will be hosted at Aix-les-Bains in France in July, so it is encouraging to see them carry strong form through to the summer.

See the full results or read more about the sailors on the Northern Ireland sailing team.

Related Articles

2025 Bahamas Fly-fishing Tournament Series
Anglers to compete across some of The Bahamas' top bonefishing spots The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation announced the launch of Bonefishing Tournament Series that will showcase diverse pristine flats across four islands - Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera and the championship round will be held in Exuma Posted on 20 Jun
Mote leads seagrass restoration initiative
Florida legislature establishes the Seagrass Restoration Technology Development Initiative Seagrasses play a crucial role in the health and resilience of Florida's coastal ecosystems. They provide nursery habitats for keystone species and stabilize shorelines and sediments. Posted on 20 Jun
Maritimo M50 Flybridge & S60 Sedan Video
We speak to Maritimo's Neil McCabe & Phil Candler We talked to Neil McCabe, Maritimo's Design Office Manager, and Phil Candler, Maritimo's General Manager Operations, to find out more about the M50 Flybridge and S60 Sedan during the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Posted on 17 Jun
“I'm living my dad's dream”
Carl made sure to provide young Kyle the chance to be a seasoned pond hopper Carl Cortiana is about to turn 70, but he still remembers the days four decades ago when he'd cast a practice plug across the living room floor and his toddler son, Kyle, now a highly accomplished Vexus pro on the MLF Toyota Series. Posted on 14 Jun
Stories From The Salt - Ep.6
Insights from PENN's top anglers Whether you're a passionate saltwater angler who eagerly dedicates every spare moment to being out on the water, or you simply enjoy watching the techniques and experiences of others, we invite you to anchor up and learn some valuable insights Posted on 14 Jun
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Six
Episode Six is now live - Are boat shows still relevant? Episode Six - asks the question, 'Are boat shows still Relevant?' We also offer some thoughts on changes and updates. The final episode of Series One is now live Posted on 13 Jun
Scania, Viking showcase renewable diesel
Mack Attack shows outstanding efficiency without compromise in performance of Scania V8 Engines Scania, one of the world's leading manufacturers of engines, announced today the successful demonstration of the performance and viability of renewable marine diesel fuel in a Viking 48 Convertible powered by twin Scania 1,150 HP DI16-liter V8 engines. Posted on 10 Jun
Sportfishing industry applauds decision by NOAA
Elimination of proposed South Atlantic bottomfishing closure The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries withdrew the proposed bottomfishing closure from Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic. Posted on 10 Jun
Marine Auctions: June online auctions
Bidding to open on Friday 20th June The Bidding for the June Online Auction will commence on Thursday 20th June and will end on Thursday 26th June at 2pm AEST. Posted on 7 Jun
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Five
Episode Five - Shane Subichin, The Boat Works - is now up and running Watch along as we speak with Shane Subichin, GM at The Boat Works about his life from tinnies on Sydney Harbour to leading the team at the premier refit and maintenance yard on the Gold Coast. Posted on 6 Jun