Junior champion success for Cora

Cora McNaughton of Blessington Sailing Club alongside Isha Duggan from Royal Cork Yacht Club won the 2024 Junior Champion of Champions at the weekend.

With multiple races on during the weekend to decide the winner, their victory came off the back of three wins and two other top three finishes.

The competition is a celebration of the Nation’s Best Young Sailors, and McNaughton is the second ever female to win the prestigious competition in 52 years since its inception in 1972.

Just one point separated the pair from second place which was taken by Daniel Copthorne and Killian Power from Schull Harbour Sailing Club/Schull Community College Sailing Club, who won the first race ahead of McNaughton and Duggan.

The weather was challenging throughout the weekend with the Race Committee having to adeptly adjust the course to accommodate the changing conditions, allowing for six races to take place altogether.

Despite the wind dropping off, two races took place on the final day of the competition.

Due to insufficient wind for a medal race, the standings were left unchanged after eight races, securing Cora McNaughton and Isha Duggan’s position at the top as Irish Sailing Youth National Champions.

It is a significant achievement for the pair, who certainly have an exciting present and future in the sport.