#optimist – Twin brothers Harry and Johnny Durcan in top two slots at the youth sailing Optimist Trials with two races left to be sailed today at Royal Cork Yacht Club writes Claire Bateman.
Fifty six Optimist invitees based, on results from National and Regional events during 2012, were invited to participate in trials to select teams to represent Ireland at World and European events. A selection of an under twelve years Development Squad will also be made to compete in Britain.
The first trial took place at Lough Derg Sailing Club consisting of an eight race series and the second trial, also an eight race series, is currently due to finish at Royal Cork Yacht Club today.
14 year old twins Johnny and Harry Durcan of the host club, currently lead the fleet on 32 and 43 points respectively. However, Harry is all set try to top his brother tomorrow. Johnny, an all round sailor, has emerged from his Optimist specialist twin's shadow, to hold first place by 11 points followed by Megan Parker of SSC in third place on 71 points followed in fourth place by her club mate Alix Buckley on 80 points.
In fifth place is James McCann of the host club on 81 points.
The weather yesterday was 15 to 22 knots of wind which tested the fleet especially the under twelves, and congratulations are due to all on having made the trials and putting up a tremendous display of dedicated sailing.
