Howlin’ Mad won the 2026 National 18 Irish Championship at Baltimore Sailing Club in West Cork after four races were completed on Saturday in a regatta heavily affected by weather.
According to organisers, Sunday’s scheduled racing was cancelled, leaving the championship to be decided on the basis of Saturday’s four-race series.
Alex Barry’s Howlin’ Mad crew of Paul O’Sullivan and Kieran O’Connell made the most of the limited opportunity. The RCYC/MSBC entry posted two race wins and a third place from the four-race series to finish on five nett points after one discard.
The championship remained close throughout. Just two points separated the top two boats after four races.
Charles Dwyer’s Nacho Nacho Man, crewed by Eoin Hennessy and John Coakley, finished runner-up on seven nett points. The RCYC/MSBC crew never finished outside the top four and closed the series with a race win.
Third overall went to Full Irish. David Kenefick, Richy Harrington and Cian Byrne recovered from a difficult second race to record a pair of second-place finishes and secure the final podium position on eight points.
Slingshot, helmed by Andrew Woodward, was fourth on ten points after opening the regatta with a second place. Aquadisiacs completed the top five on thirteen points following victory in the opening race.
With only four races sailed, consistency proved decisive. The championship standings reflected a fleet where margins remained tight throughout the shortened series.
The result continues a strong season for Howlin’ Mad, which recently captured the National 18 May League title at Royal Cork Yacht Club before carrying that form west to Baltimore.
Top Five Overall
- Howlin’ Mad (Alex Barry) – 5 points
- Nacho Nacho Man (Charles Dwyer) – 7 points
- Full Irish (David Kenefick) – 8 points
- Slingshot (Andrew Woodward) – 10 points
- Aquadisiacs (Colin Chapman) – 13 points