Celtic Challenge 2025 at Glandore Harbour Yacht Club
by Heather Mahmood 3 Jul 11:12 BST
14-15 June 2025
Celtic Challenge annual team race hosted by Glandore Harbour © Kathleen Hayes
The vibrant spirit of sailing camaraderie was alive and kicking in Glandore over the weekend of June 14-15 as GHYC proudly hosted the much-anticipated annual team race against RAYC. The friendly rivalry, known as the Celtic Challenge, was anything but tame—with wind, waves, and a showcase of top-tier teamwork, especially from the rising stars of GHYC's Junior Sailors.
The RAYC crew arrived Friday evening and were welcomed ashore with warm hospitality, a hearty lasagna dinner, and the traditional draw for boats and race order. Spirits were high as sailors from both clubs mingled over pints and sea tales in the Glandore Inn and Casey's Bar.
Saturday Racing: GHYC Takes Command
Saturday dawned with just enough breeze to stir excitement, and right on cue, a fresh westerly filled in by 11:00 for the first gun. The teams charged off the line toward Castletownshend, tacking south of High Island. GHYC—sailing Moonshine, Aphrodite, and Zu—made a powerful opening statement by sweeping the top three spots, leaving RAYC's Leah, Magic, and Larus chasing in fourth through sixth.
Following a sailors' lunch at Mary Anne's Bar, the teams switched boats for the return leg to Glandore. With winds building, the racing intensified. RAYC found better footing with a 3, 4, 5 finish, but GHYC's consistency—securing 1, 2, and 6—clinched them a second win. Two races down, GHYC was firmly ahead!
A key story of the day? The exceptional performance of GHYC's Junior Sailors—Emma (17), Zaiba (15), Jess (17), Ruá (13), Mia (16) and Cassian (12) - who crewed nearly all the team boats across the weekend. Their skill, composure, and teamwork were outstanding. It's no exaggeration to say the adults would have been adrift without them!
After racing, the shoreside revelry resumed with dinner at the Glandore Inn, followed by a lively nightcap at Casey's Bar—classic Glandore hospitality at its finest.
Sunday Racing: GHYC Seals the Deal
Sunday brought more reliable westerlies, perfect for close-fought races in the outer harbour between Adam and Eve Islands. The Race Committee—Diarmaid O'Suilleabhain, Mary O'Sullivan, and Michelle Hayes—set tight windward/leeward courses that demanded precision and teamwork.
GHYC capitalised again, winning races three and four. After another boat switch, races five and six followed suit with GHYC edging out close battles to sweep the series 6-0—an emphatic victory and a masterclass in consistent team racing.
Post-race celebrations kicked off in the Glandore Inn before the official trophy presentation at Casey's. RAYC Team Captain Jeremy Parker graciously handed over the Celtic Challenge Trophy to GHYC Dragon Captain John Wyles, praising the club's warm welcome and the high standard of the racing. He invited GHYC to Beaumaris next year, where the historic Fyfe One Design fleet will mark its 100th anniversary.
The regatta wrapped up in true sailor style with a final dinner at Hayes Bar—and, of course, one last toast back at Casey's.