ANTICIPATION is building ahead of the start of the 2026 GP14 World Championships at the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club this weekend, with a number of locals tipped amongst the favourites.
Supported by Ards and North Down Council, with the entry list capped at 100 boats, this year’s championship promises one of the strongest and most competitive lineups in recent memory.
The fleet features Olympians, world champions and many of the finest GP14 sailors, all aiming to lift one of the class’s most coveted trophies.
Competitors are travelling from Canada, South Africa, Pakistan and Australia, alongside strong contingents from Scotland, England and Ireland, making it a true international championship.
Current Irish national champions Ger Owens and Mel Morris are expected to compete at the top end of the tournament, utilising an extraordinary depth of sailing experience and talent.
Owens, a three-time Olympian and prolific winner of Irish Sailing’s Champion of Champions Trophy, teams up with the talented Morris as one of the favourites for the tournament.
Particularly formidable in light-to-medium conditions, they have won almost everything on the Irish circuit, but the GP14 is the only major title that currently evades their collection.
Another duo worth keeping an eye on is current Irish Olympian Robert Dickson and GP14 stalwart Adrian Lee, who will combine for one of the most intriguing partnerships in the field.
Dickson narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in the 49er class at Paris 2024, finishing fourth alongside Sean Waddilove. However, with Lee’s extensive experience complementing his world-class speed, this pairing is certain to attract plenty of attention.
Amongst the top competitors, a number of local sailors are expected to compete for honours, namely Royal North of Ireland’s Ross Kearney and Daniel Nelson.
Two-time Mirror World Champion Kearney and multiple Irish GP14 winner Nelson are a pairing that combines world-class experience, youth and valuable local knowledge. The right conditions could make them one of the championship favourites.
Another host club pairing will look to use knowledge of the venue to gain an advantage over the rest of the fleet.
Chris Higgins is a Mirror World Champion, having won the title in Australia in 2003, while Rory Clayton brings a calm and collected presence to the boat.
Siblings Adam and Emily Torrens have stood out for their rapid progression through the fleet and are well placed for a strong result.
They graduated to the Gold Fleet this year, although they had already been racing near the front for some time, showing maturity beyond their years and possessing an exceptional
grasp of strategy.
Whatever happens throughout the week, the 2026 GP14 World Championships promise exceptional racing across every fleet.
With international talent, Olympic experience, emerging youth sailors and invaluable local knowledge all coming together on Belfast Lough, spectators can look forward to one of the most competitive GP14 World Championships in recent years.
The GP14 World Championships will take place at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, on Belfast Lough, from August 8-14.
