With less than a month to go until the off, the 2009 Mitsubishi Optimist Nationals is expected to be the biggest youth event in Ireland this year, welcoming more than 300 boats to Dun Laoghaire. Already, the entry list has an international flair, with entries from the US, UK and India booked in. The event website, with online entry, is now live at Preparations are now being finalised to welcome both Irish and overseas youth sailors and their families to the Mitsubishi Irish Optimist National and Open Championships 2009, which is being hosted on behalf of IODAI, the governing body of the Optimist class in Ireland at the Royal St. George Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire. The Championship commences Wednesday 19th August and runs through to Saturday 22nd August.
All ready there are a large amount of entries with strong interest being shown from abroad, with Great Britain and America sending their top youth sailors to this special event. It is an ideal event for those who have ambitions to participate in the ISAF Youth Worlds in 2012. The Royal St. George Y.C. and the National Y.C. will jointly host the ISAF event in Dun Laoghaire in 2012.
Some 250 to 300 entrants are expected to compete. Competitors will be divided into three fleets, a senior, junior, and regatta fleet. The latter comprising of approximately 50 boats. The senior and junior fleets will sail in Dublin bay, while the regatta fleet will race within the harbor. This younger less experienced fleet will also receive coaching during the event. Captain Carter of Dun Laoghaire Harbour has kindly granted permission for the regatta fleet racing within the Harbour.
A full social programme for competitors, their families and friends is planned. A brilliant Salsa band with audience participation, a series of street entertainers with Limbo dancers, Jugglers and other acts will perform at various times throughout the event. There will also be Face Painting for the younger ones and lots lots more. Check out the Program of Events which will be on web site shortly.
With some 250 sailors, their parents, brothers and sisters, friends and over 100 volunteers of race officials and staff on and off the water, it is anticipated approximately 1,000 people in all will be part of this super event.
This event could not happen without the support of all our sponsors. Mitsubishi Motors are the main sponsors, while Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company and Viking Marine act as support sponsors. The Jelly Bean Co and others support this event with their product contributions also.
This is the largest youth sailing event in the country in 2009. The Royal St George is delighted to assist and support IODAI in organising this event. Many of our Irish Olympic and World class sailors commenced their sailing careers in the Optimist class before moving on to other sailing classes.
If any members and friends would like to volunteer to assist during this event please don’t hesitate to contact the club. All hands on deck are much appreciated and welcomed,
Do come and join us to view the action both on and off the water and enjoy the fun!
