Irish Success at the 2026 EurILCA Masters (Malta)

Irish Success at the 2026 EurILCA Masters (Malta)

The opening regatta of the 2026 EurILCA Masters Series was successfully held in Malta (9-11th January) hosted by the Royal Malta Yacht Club. It attracted a strong international fleet of experienced masters sailors alongside some first-time competitors. The event was marked by challenging weather, high-quality racing, and a strong organisational effort.

SailCoach ran a 3 day training clinic immediately prior to the event at the same venue led by Canadian ILCA sailor James Juhasz. Despite losing one day on the water due to strong winds, this was a very well run clinic with plenty of on and off the water learnings, discussions and organised social activities.

There was strong Ireland representation at the event with Conor Barry, John Cully and Niall Peelo in the ILCA 6 and recently elected ILCA President Mark Lyttle and Conrad Simpson in the ILCA 7. Racing began on Friday 9th in demanding offshore conditions, with gusty westerly winds (18–25 knots) and large swells. Despite several retirements, two of the three scheduled races were completed for both the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 fleets. Continued unstable wind and sea conditions on Saturday led the Race Committee to move racing into the more sheltered Marsamxett Harbour, where shifting winds and vicious gusts still tested sailors’ boat handling and tactics. Only two additional races were completed due to the deteriorating conditions. Unfortunately no racing was possible on Sunday due to deteriorating weather, so final standings were based on the four completed races.

The Irish contingent came away with several prizes. In the ILCA 6 fleet John Cully won the Apprentice Master and Conor Barry won the Masters. In the ILCA 7s Mark Lyttle finished first overall and first Grand Master with Conrad Simpson finishing 3rd in the same category.

This was the fifth time the Royal Malta Yacht Club hosted the EurILCA Masters, supported by SailCoach and Yachting Malta, highlighting Malta’s continued prominence on the international sailing calendar.

Overall, the week combined an excellent SailCoach Clinic competitive racing, testing conditions, and strong international participation, reaffirming Malta as a great venue on the EurILCA Masters circuit .

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Conrad Simpson