Cork, Ireland and USVI Team take 2025 Melges 15 European Championship

Written By Louisa Nordstrom

With the title up for grabs, Race 7 of Day 3 kicked off with early fireworks. ISV 1019 (Lola Kohl & Christian Ezequiel) surged into the lead, while regatta leaders ISV 1015 (Atlee Kohl & Cathal O’Regan) rounded sixth—just ahead of USA 1021 (Esteban Forrer & Jeremy Herrin).

USA 1017 (Dana & John Haig) owned the first downwind, rounding first at the gate. IRL 562 (Barry McCartin & Teddy Byrne) surged up the right on the last upwind, while ISV 1019 fought back to reclaim third. ISV 1015 stayed consistent in fifth. On the last downwind.  A poor set by IRL 562 allowed ISV 1019 to pounce. USA 1021 slumped to 12th—their worst of the regatta.At the finish. The Haigs held strong for the win. ISV 1019 claimed second, IRL 562 third, and ISV 1015 climbed to fourth—protecting their slim overall lead. Heading into the final, ISV 1015 led by just two points over IRL 562.

The Showdown: Race 9

The start was tense, highlighted by a pre start incident between ISV 1015 and IRL 562. Both went right, looking good—until a late left shift favored the Haigs, who rounded top mark 1–2 (USA 1017 and USA 1018). ISV 1015 came around third, with IRL 562 in sixth as left-side flyers swept through.

GBR 1023 (Simon & Katie Horsfield) unleashed on the run, grabbing fifth pushing IRL 562 farther back. The Haigs finished 1–2 again, but ISV 1015 sealed the title with a strong third place.

2025 Champions with Cork Roots

ISV 1015 – Atlee Kohl & Cathal O’Regan (CORK/ISV)

Both Atlee and Cathal hail from Cork, with extensive youth sailing success out of Royal Cork YC and Royal St. George YC  . Their Cork connection powered them to the championship win—proof that local talent can dominate on the European stage.

Final Overall Standings (After 8 Races, 1 Drop)

  1. ISV 1015 - Atlee Kohl & Cathal O’Regan - ISV (CORK) - 28 pts

  2. IRL 562 - Barry McCartin & Teddy Byrne - IRL - 32 pts

  3. USA 1021 - Esteban Forrer & Jeremy Herrin - USA - 40 pts.

  4. USA 1018 - Emily Haig & Jimmy Muller - USA - 45 pts

  5. IRL 564 - John & Katie Sheehy - IRL - 48 pts

Full results: https://halsail-1e484.kxcdn.com/Result/Public/90184?EventID=5201

Regatta Photos: https://melges.smugmug.com/Melges-15/2025-Melges-15-Europeans

Louisa Nordstrom
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Tactical Moves and Tight Finishes at Day 2 of Melges 15 Europeans