The competition, which is in its fourth year, was run by the ISA (Irish Sailing Association) along with sponsor Yachtsman euromarine and was open to participants from the ages of 12 to 16. Each team began their training during the summer in preparation for the regional finals which took place in three locations around the country during September. The top 14 teams then progressed to the grand final which took place on Saturday in the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
The Galway trio faced stiff competition throughout the day from rival teams from Dublin, Wexford, Mayo, Limerick and Cork. They had to complete nine challenges over three hours which focused on different key areas for the safe use of powerboats. The tasks ranged from theory challenges such as 'navigation and pilotage' and 'safety and weather' to on the water challenges where the teams had to demonstrate their boat handling skills and man overboard manoeuvres.
Although the competition was nail-bitingly close, with only two points separating the Galwegians from the runners-up from Foynes Yacht Club, the all-boys team captured the essence of the competition and demonstrated all the skills, knowledge and awareness needed to win and so deservedly took home the grand prize. These skills are paramount for any water user and rewarding those who strive to make our waters a safer place is an honour to both the ISA and Yachtsman euromarine.
The boys credited their success to a number of factors including their coach, Ciaran Oliver, who ensured they practised and studied constantly. Fionn Delahunty, the oldest of the boys, also accredited their win to great team communication and their parents support.
