RYA Scotland’s 2026 Celtic Cup A Showcase of Talent on the Forth

RYA Scotland was delighted to host the 2026 Celtic Cup on 31 January and 1 February at Port Edgar, welcoming more than 30 talented young sailors from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales for a weekend of competitive racing, teamwork and celebration of youth sailing across the Celtic nations.

Across two days of contrasting conditions, sailors demonstrated exceptional resilience and ability. Saturday brought strong winds and lively racing on the Forth, allowing an impressive seven races to be completed. Sunday’s lack of breeze curtailed further competition, but spirits remained high throughout.

Congratulations go to the RYA Northern Ireland team, who secured the title of Top Nation across the weekend.

A further well done to Wales and Scotland who secured 2^nd and 3^rd Nation respectively.

Congratulations as well to Scotland’s Cameron McDaid for securing 1^st in the ILCA fleet, and to Adam Green of Northern Ireland who took first in the Topper fleet. With a well done also in order for Northern Ireland’s Emily Macafee and Wales’s Sophie Venning, 1^st girl in the ILCA and Topper fleets respectively.

Full results can be viewed here. 

Reflecting on the weekend, RYA Scotland Pathway Manager Jamie Rogers said:

“This weekend’s racing was a brilliant showcase of talent across the home nations, as well as the camaraderie between teams.

Sailors responded really well to the challenging conditions and threw themselves into some very close racing. Even with light winds on day two, the enthusiasm never dipped - they made the most of the chance to catch up and socialise with friends from across the Home Nations.

A huge thanks to the sailors for everything they put into the event, and to all the support teams who make it possible.”

This year’s Celtic Cup also provided a timely gathering of the three nations following last year’s announcement that sailing will feature for the first time in the Malta 2027 Youth Commonwealth Games.

Fittingly, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games mascot Finnie joined the action, bringing her joyful energy to the boat park. Finnie even headed afloat to support the race committee - waving flags, cheering on competitors and lifting spirits across the fleets.

The appearance of Finnie also tied in with the latest campaign from Glasgow 2026 - All In, a nationwide call for communities across Scotland to celebrate the Games in their own way, from ceilidhs and club open days to local sport festivals. The campaign, launched as part of the six‑month countdown, aims to spark grassroots excitement and community pride through locally led events and activities across the country with Glasgow 2026 providing free All In branding, digital toolkits and opportunities for activities to be showcased on Glasgow 2026 channels. 

Looking further ahead than 2026, the inclusion of sailing in the 2027 Youth Commonwealth Games strengthens the performance pathway for young athletes across the home nations, underlining the value of events like the Celtic Cup in developing skills, confidence and lasting friendships.

RYA Scotland extends its thanks to RYA Northern Ireland and RYA Cymru Wales for their collaboration in planning and delivering the weekend, and to the volunteers, coaches and parents whose support is vital. Thanks also to the Sea Cadets’ Port Edgar Boat Station for the excellent venue and catering, and to Fordell Firs Scouts Centre for providing top accommodation.

A special thanks also goes to Principal Race Officer Ann Roy - recently named Scotland’s ‘Technical Official of the Year’ at the Scottish Sport Awards - whose expertise ensured sailors enjoyed some top racing throughout the weekend.

We look forward to another Celtic Cup next year, which is set to take place in Wales.