Irish Melges 15 class set for bumper 2026 calendar
A European championship in Lake Garda is set to be the 2026 highlight for the Irish M15 class.
The class has continued to grow here following the success of the inaugural Europeans held on the Hyland Shipping course as part of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta last July. Dun Laoghaire in particular, has seen strong growth with 20 out of the 37 boats now in Ireland based there.
Start Line Action from the Europeans last July in Dun Laoghaire
A goal of the committee chaired by new class president Jamie Tingle is to deliver one class event every month from April through September which will supplement the existing local summer racing. Vakaros RaceSense will be used at all class events having proven its value and added to the enjoyment and efficiency of racing.
This year’s calendar is notable for the class with the first regional event to be held outside Dublin with Lough Derg Yacht club hosting an inaugural Western Championships on April 18/19.
May sees the class hold their Eastern Championships in the Royal Irish as part of the Dun Laoghaire Cup on May 23/24. The Royal Irish who now have 5 M15s on their deck will be hopeful for a home winner.
A ‘Northerns’ will be held in Howth Yacht Club on June 20/21. This event will be the final warm up before the European Championships which will be held on Riva Del Garda on July 3/4/5. Charter boats will be available at the event, though it is anticipated that a well packed truck of 12 Irish owned boats will arrive In Italy to take part.
Dun laoghaire style epic Sea Breezes are expected in Lake Garda this coming July
The Irish National championships will return to Dublin Bay in August after Howth hosting the last two years. The Royal Irish will again host with the event taking place on August 22/23.
Finally, September will see a Sprint Style based out of the Royal Saint George Yacht club on September 19/20. 16 races are the target for the weekend with 8 15-minute races being sailed each day. With more winter frostbite races set for the new year, 2026 will be a busy one for the class.