The Strangford Lough Youth Series has completed its 18th season after five legs hosted around the lough in Northern Ireland. More than 70 junior sailors took part across the series, racing in Topper, Optimist and ILCA-related classes while representing their local clubs.
The final meeting at Killyleagh Yacht Club brought the team competition down to a narrow countback. Killyleagh secured the overall Shield by three points over Strangford Lough Yacht Club, while Strangford Sailing Club finished third only one point ahead of East Down Yacht Club.
A close finish after five legs
The final day produced gusty conditions that required young sailors to manage changing pressure and keep boats under control around the course. With the team standings still close, individual results contributed directly to the outcome of the overall club competition.
The series combines several common youth dinghy classes rather than limiting participation to a single design. That format allows clubs to bring together sailors at different stages of development while retaining class-based racing within the wider event.
Competition built around club participation
The RYA describes the series as being about more than finishing positions, with fair play, friendship and team spirit forming part of its purpose. Hosting duties also move between clubs, spreading participation and giving young sailors experience at different venues around Strangford Lough.
Eighteen seasons of youth sailing
Long-running local series provide an important bridge between introductory sailing and larger regional or national regattas. The 2026 turnout shows the continuing role of small dinghies in giving young people regular racing, practical seamanship and a reason to remain active within their clubs.