SAILING: Grammar riding crest of a wave in Schools’ Cup win

Larne Grammar School are riding the crest of a wave after they scooped their second sailing Schools’ Cup title in the space of three years.
Larne Grammar pupils Lucy Kane (centre) Jenna and Ellen McCarlie took part in the Schools' Cup.  INLT 37-023-PSBLarne Grammar pupils Lucy Kane (centre) Jenna and Ellen McCarlie took part in the Schools' Cup.  INLT 37-023-PSB
Larne Grammar pupils Lucy Kane (centre) Jenna and Ellen McCarlie took part in the Schools' Cup. INLT 37-023-PSB

Thirteen pupils travelled to the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club in Holywood to compete in the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland Youth Championships and Schools’ Cup.

The event is the qualifier for all Royal Yachting Association youth and junior sailing squads and is the most important sailing competition of the year for local schools.

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For the first year in its history, the event opened up to competitors from all over Ireland resulting in a record-breaking entry number of over 150 sailors across 10 different fleets of boats. For the past few years, Methodist College Belfast and Larne Grammar School have had an ongoing battle to try and secure the trophy.

Principal Jonathan Wylie with Larne Grammar's successful Schools' Cup sailing team. INLT 41-937-CONPrincipal Jonathan Wylie with Larne Grammar's successful Schools' Cup sailing team. INLT 41-937-CON
Principal Jonathan Wylie with Larne Grammar's successful Schools' Cup sailing team. INLT 41-937-CON

After a quick pep talk from principal, Mr Wylie, the Larne team launched with high spirits and the desire for success.

Peter Shannon got the ball rolling when he came second in the Laser Standard fleet, while Emily Hill was second with her helm in the 420 class.

The school boasted eleven sailors competing in various junior fleets, which was the best turnout in their history.

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Hannah Todd captured third spot in the Topper 4.2 regatta fleet and Taylor Black ended up in 11th in this fleet, which was a very commendable achievement.

Kelly Patterson had a phenomenal weekend with her worst result being a second-place finish. She won three of the races, and ran away with the win of the Topper 5.3 Regatta fleet.

Nadia Taylor achieved a fabulous fourth in the Topper 5.3 regatta fleet.

Seven sailors competed in the Topper 5.3 fleet. Ellen McCarlie was second in the challenging fleet and first lady which was an outstanding achievement. She was followed by her sister, Jenna, who was third.

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Lucy Kane claimed seventh, Hannah Liddle was 11th, Rory Williamson 13th and Abby Williamson took 21st spot. Ashleigh Brennan also competed in the Topper 5.3 fleet.

To top off the competition, Ellen McCarlie also achieved first Junior Lady and Junior Youth Champion.

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