The Irish Sailing Team will launch its 2026 international campaign this week at the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca, with a strong squad competing across the full Olympic programme ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 cycle.
Taking place from March 30th to April 4th in Palma, the regatta marks the opening event of the 2026 Sailing Grand Slam Series and will provide an early-season benchmark against a full international fleet.
In the ILCA 7 class, Finn Lynch of the National Yacht Club returns to a venue where he secured bronze in 2025, alongside Howth Yacht Club’s Ewan McMahon. They are joined by Royal Irish Yacht Club sailor Fiachra McDonnell, who arrives in form following a silver medal at the Mallorca Sailing Centre Regatta.
The ILCA 6 fleet features continued momentum from Eve McMahon of Howth Yacht Club, who claimed silver at the recent warm-up regatta. She is joined by Sienna Wright, also of Howth, stepping into senior competition as reigning Irish National Champion and Youth European silver medallist.
In the 49erFX class, Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour begin their first full season on the senior team, signalling the start of their Los Angeles 2028 campaign. Under the guidance of experienced coach Matt McGovern, the pairing will be targeting early progress in a highly competitive fleet.
Double Olympians Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove lead Ireland’s charge in the 49er class, with the experienced duo aiming to deliver strong early-season performances. They are joined by development squad sailors Ben O’Shaughnessy and Ethan Spain, who carry momentum from their U23 European Championship gold medal success last year.
Performance Director James O’Callaghan described the regatta as a key early indicator of progress following an intensive winter training programme.
“Palma is the first real benchmark of the year,” he said. “The squad has put in a significant volume of work over the winter across multiple venues, with good racing in Australia and New Zealand in particular. This is our first opportunity to measure that against a full Olympic fleet. Conditions in Palma tend to reward consistency and execution, so it’s a strong test early in the season and one the team is ready for.”
The scale of the challenge is reflected in the depth of competition, with approximately 900 boats from 62 nations entered for the 55th edition of the regatta, widely regarded as one of the premier events in Olympic class sailing.
Racing begins on Monday with a three-day qualification series, before the fleet is split into gold and silver divisions ahead of the medal races on April 4th, where the first major honours of the 2026 season will be decided.
Image Credit: Irish Sailing
If you, Irish Sailing, would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies and public institutions through high-quality content, events and insight. Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. Its work positions sport not just as entertainment, but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
Upcoming Events
