Displaying items by tag: Optimist
Skerries Sailing Club was a hive of activity last weekend as 113 enthusiastic young sailors aged 8-15 gathered from all over Ireland for the second regional event on the 2022 IODAI circuit, the Optimist Leinster Championships.
The sailing club put on a great reception for sailors and parents alike. The all-important goodie bags, including T-Shirts and ice cream vouchers got the thumbs up from the whole fleet.
In the main fleet Race Officer Liam Dinneen and his team made the most of the steady 10-15 knot Northwesterlies by getting four races completed for both Junior and Senior Main Fleet Divisions on Saturday. Sunday threatened to be a day of even stronger Northerlies, but fortunately, the wind abated for a few hours allowing a full schedule of six races to be completed.
The Irish Optimist fleet in action including UKR71 Photo: Anne Marie Hickey
A particular highlight of the weekend was the consistent series put together by talented Ukranian Sailor Sasha Bezpalyi sailing in his first regatta in Ireland.
In the Senior Main Gold Fleet Harry Dunne from Howth Yacht Club took 1st place, with Sasha (sailing with MYC) in 2nd place and Abigail Murphy from RSGYC in 3rd.
Juliet Ryan won the Junior Main Gold Fleet Photo: Anne Marie Hickey
In the Junior Main Fleet Gold Division, Juliet Ryan from Malahide Yacht Club was 1st, closely following by clubmate Patrick Fegan in 2nd place and Andrew Mannion from LRYC in 3rd place.
Meanwhile in the Regatta Fleet, Race Officer Kieran Branagan packed in 7 races across the two days. Aurele Dion from NYC put together an extremely consistent series to take 1st place ahead of Charlie McKibben Monkstown Bay Sailing Club and Jacob Browne from NYC.
Aurele Dion 1st Place in Regatta Fleet Photo: Anne Marie Hickey
Skerries SC also had 11 local sailors competing and for many it was their first experience of a large regional regatta. It's hoped this will kickstart a Skerries Optimist Team that will take to the circuit later this year.
The event organisers are extremely appreciative for the support from their huge team of local volunteers, as well as the neighbouring sailing clubs and individuals who provided additional safety boats for the weekend.
The Optimist fleet with Rockabill Lighthouse in the background Photo: Anne Marie Hickey
Skerries SC would also like to acknowledge the generous support from our sponsors including Fingal County Council, CraftInsure, Stoop Your Head Restaurant, Oakes Pharmacy, Med Account Services, Coco C and Colour Green Landscaping.
Next on the agenda for the Optimist fleet will be a trip west to Oranmore, Galway Bay for the Connaught Championships at GBSC on 9&10 July.
Results here
Royal Cork's Oisin Pierse Takes Optimist Munster Title on Home Waters (Prizegiving Photo Gallery Here!)
Royal Cork's Oisin Pierse (14) won the Optimist Munster Championships on home waters after six races sailed in a 46-boat senior fleet.
With three wins on his scorecard, the Gaelcholáiste Carrigaline schoolboy was nine points ahead of Royal St. George Yacht Club's Caoilinn Geraghty-McDonnell on 16 points. On 24 points, Malahide Yacht Club's Conor Cronin finished third.
119 boats in three fleets contested the Championships hosted by Royal Cork Yacht Club at Crosshaven.
Both junior and senior fleets sailed the same course (with separate starts) on the Curlane bank in Cork Harbour.
Southwest winds of eight knots with gusts of 12/14 made for ideal sailing conditions for the youth sailors.
In the Main Fleet race area, a decent tide and some gusty conditions made the race track a tricky read but the pre-event favourites managed the conditions well and took their expected places on the leader board.
Peter Crowley in his Committee Vessel Sparetime was in charge of both fleets with Race Officer Tom Crosbie in charge of the Regatta fleet and also racing on the Curlane Bank.
Malahide Yacht Club's Juliet Ryan was the Junior fleet winner of the Optimist Munster Championships at Royal Cork Photo: Bob Bateman
In the Junior fleet, the overnight positions from Saturday's first three races were maintained with Malahide Yacht Club's Juliet Ryan clinching the title on 10 points, four clear of Royal St. George Yacht Club's Max O'Hare in second overall. Third was Royal Cork's, Dougie Venner.
With no protests, a prizegiving followed on Sunday afternoon. Slight technical issues with the PA system left RCYC Optimist Class Captain Rob Bateman voicing the prize winners at the top of his voice.
Opening the proceedings, he welcomed Alex Walsh of IODAI, followed by RVYC’s Rear Admiral Dinghies Maurice Collins and rounded off by Cllr. Marcia D’Alton, Chairperson from the Carrigaline Municipal District Committee of Cork County Council.
See the racing gallery of images from day one of the championships here
Bob Bateman's Optimist Munster Championships Prizegiving Photo Gallery
Regatta Fleet
1st Charlie McKieben MBSC
2nd Aurale Dion NYC
3rd Oliver Ryan MYC
4th Alex Butcher MYC
5th Theo Carney Cove SC
Best under 11 Emily Lynch RCYC
Best under 10 Louis Murphy Royal St.George YC
Best under 9 Arthur Fegan MYC
Coaches award
Most improved Matt HIras RCYC
Sportsmanship award Brendan Hughes RCYC
Youngest sailor award Fionn Pierse RCYC
Junior Fleet
Bronze
1st Finn Foley Royal St.George YC
2nd Emily Donogh Lough Derg YC
3rd Maeve Donogh Lough Derg YC
4th Thomas A Coistealbha MYC
5th Lily Donogh Lough Derg YC
Silver
1st Max O’Hare Royal St.George YC
2nd Patrick Fegan MYC
3rd Rian O’Neil RCYC
4th George Doig East Antrim Boat Club
5th Paudie A Coistealbha
Gold
1st Juliet Ryan MYC
2nd Dougie Venner RCYC
3rd James Gorman NYC
4th Olin Bateman RCYC
Senior Fleet
Bronze
1st Gemma Brady Lough Derg YC
2nd Grace Keating Lough Derg YC
3rd Conor O’Sullivan MYC
4th Henrietta Leach Lough Ree YC
5th Nathan Harris Waterford Harbour SC
Silver
1st Felix Dion NYC
2nd Marcus Shelley Royal St.George YC
3rd Hannah Scott Royal St.George YC
4th Zita Tempany Royal St. George YC
5th Suin A Coistealbha
Gold
1st Oisin Pierse RCYC
2nd Caoileann Geraghty McDonnell Royal St.George YC
3rd Conor Cronin MYC
4th Jules Start Royal St. George YC
5th Grace Cronin Royal St.George YC
More results are here.
Royal Cork's Oisin Pierse Leads 119 Optimist Dinghy Munster Championships on Home Waters (Photo Gallery Here!)
Fresh from his IODAI Optimist Trials success at Ballyholme at Easter, Royal Cork's Oisin Pierse has taken the overall lead on home waters at the Optimist Munster Championships after four races sailed in the 46-boat senior fleet.
119 boats in three fleets are contesting the Championships hosted by Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven this weekend.
On six points, Malahide Yacht Club's Conor Cronin lies second to Pierse with Royal St. George Yacht Club's Carolina Carra in third place on eight points.
Both junior and senior fleets sailed the same course (with separate starts) on the Curlane bank in Cork Harbour.
Southwest winds of eight knots with gusts of 12/14 made for ideal sailing conditions for the youth sailors.
Peter Crowley in his Committee Vessel Sparetime was in charge of both fleets with Race Officer Tom Crosbie in charge of the Regatta fleet and also racing on the Curlane Bank.
Malahide Yacht Club's Juliet Ryan took two wins from four races ins the Junior fleet of the Optimist Munster Championships at Royal Cork Photo: Bob Bateman
In the Junior fleet, Malahide Yacht Club's Juliet Ryan leads on 5.0 points from Royal St. George Yacht Club's Max O'Hare Third is Royal Cork's Dougie Venner.
Racing continues for all fleets on Sunday.
Results are here
Bob Bateman's Optimist Munster Championships Photo Gallery
Royal Cork's Oisin Pierse Takes Overall Victory at IODAI Optimist Trials at Ballyholme
Two race wins on the final day for Oisin Pierse (Royal Cork Yacht Club) sealed the IODAI Optimist Trials at Ballyholme Yacht Club in the 49-boat fleet on Sunday.
The Cork Harbour talent finished the youth sailing series with five race wins from a total of 11 sailed giving him 19 points overall.
Oisin is 14-years-old and has sailed out of the Royal Cork since he was eight. He also sails occasionally in Fenit, County Kerry. Oisin attends the Gaelcholáiste in Carrigaline and lives overlooking the mouth of Cork Harbour.
Second on Belfast Lough was Caoilinn Geraghty-McDonnell from the RStGYC who had kept the pressure on the Crosshaven youth throughout the championships.
Howth Yacht Club's Harry Dunne displaced Carolina Carra of the RSGYC on the final day to take third place overall.
Harry Dunne from Howth Yacht Club does a dissapearing act after rounding the weather mark of R5 during the IODAI Optimist Trials 2022
Based on the weekend events, the IODAI will now decide on the composition of the Irish squads for this summer's World and European championships.
Oisin Pierse of the Royal Cork Yacht Club leads the IODAI Optimist Trials at Ballyholme Yacht Club with the final races to be sailed on Sunday.
The 49-boat Optimist fleet is the largest sailing at this weekend's Youth Sailing Championships on Belfast Lough.
Lying second is Caoilinn Geraghty-McDonnell from the RStGYC with clubmate Carolina Carra in third place overall.
Caoilinn Geraghty-McDonnell (2021 National Champion), currently in second place at the IODAI 2022 Trials sailed out of Ballyholme Yacht Club
Conor Cronin (Malahide and Howth Yacht Club, 1634), Lucy Moynan (Royal Cork Yacht Club, 1620) and Jules Start (Royal St.George Yacht Club,1588) approaching the windward mark during Race 5 of the IODAI 2022 Trials sailed out of Ballyholme Yacht Club
Ukrainian Sailing Club Protest at Abramovich Superyacht
A superyacht linked to sanctioned billionaire and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich was met with a protest as it arrived at port in Bodrum, Turkey.
Members of the Optimist dinghy Sailing Team Ukraine met the vessel in a small boat, chanting "no war in Ukraine" and waving their country's flag.
They were part of a junior sailing team that was in Turkey to compete in an annual competition, having left Ukraine before the Russian invasion.
Optimist Dinghy National Training Week at Malahide Is Judged ‘a Resounding Success’
The final stop on the Optimist dinghy calendar found this intrepid bunch of sailors and their families back in Malahide Yacht Club for the IODAI National Training Week 27-30th October sponsored by CH Marine, the Grand Hotel and Dinghy Performance.
Ninety-five competitors were led by Head Coach Soren Laugesen (Denmark) and Senior Coach David Harte, along with the top national coaches.
This was a week that had something for everyone; big breeze on the Wednesday, light winds on Thursday, information sessions for class captains and parents on Friday and of course, the Halloween Regatta on Saturday. Not to mention the appearance of Olympic hero Annalise Murphy, who came to debrief the youngest of the fleet when they returned to shore and field all their many and varied questions. Trying to explain transits to eight-year-olds and why the trees don't actually need to be in the sea would test anyone's resilience but she rose to the challenge. Her presence was a huge lift to the sailors who hung on her every word.
The Optimists are briefed ashore at Malahide
The training week also saw the U12 and Development squads announced and selected sailors were able to train together as a group during the event. They will train and compete together throughout the 2022 season.
Onshore there was a dinner held in the Grand Hotel with fun and games organised for younger sailors while parents got to catch up. Class captains from all around the country met, exchanged ideas and Alex Walsh and Brendan Foley of IODAI presented the strategy for the development of the class for 2022.
The Halloween Regatta, which took place on the Saturday and also incorporated the Crosbie Cup saw OOD Neil Murphy run the main fleet off one start, getting through four races in a consistent breeze. The regatta is a precursor to Trails next year, allowing sailors from both the senior and junior fleets to compete against one another.
Optimists competing at the Broadmeadow in Malahide
William Walsh (NYC), for whom this was his last regatta, comprehensively led the way and took first place overall and first in Senior Main, closely followed by Oisin Pierse (RCYC) and Harry Dunne (HYC). The Junior Fleet saw two local sailors continue their close rivalry, Juliet Ryan (MYC) took first place, this time, with Conor Cronin (MYC) in second and Lucy Moynan (RCYC) in third. Ben Keating (HYC) finished in first place in the Junior Silver Fleet taking home with him the Crosbie Cup too.
Former MYC Commodore, Graham Smith took charge of the Regatta Fleet for the second time this year. As a number of sailors had progressed through the fleet during the season, there were lots of new faces and strong showings from
Hugo Breen (LRYC), James Crawford (RSt.George Yacht Club), Aurele Dion (NYC), Charlie McKibben (MBSC) and Alex Butcher (MYC) finished first to fifth accordingly
It was a fitting end to the year, cementing many friendships in the Oppie family as well as showcasing the sailors abilities and results of their hard work throughout the year.
IODAI Kick Start Junior Sailing Pathway with Optimist "National Training Week" at Malahide Yacht Club
The IODAI in conjunction with Malahide Yacht Club will be hosting the junior Optimist dinghy National Training week 27-30th October.
Although normally part of the Youth Sailing Nationals, due to COVID safety measures in 2021 the decision was made to organise a separate training week.
The Optimists will return to the Youth Pathways in 2022 in Ballyholme Yacht Club in Northern Ireland as well as continuing with its training week rotated at different locations around the country, according to IODAI President Alexander Walsh.
The IODAI National training week is part of an overall plan to kick-start the junior pathway. Participants will get access to top coaching and sports science information used by Olympic sailors. Head coach Soren Laugesen (Denmark) and David Harte, who also recently coached at Lough Ree's double-handed symposium, will be delivering a quality week for the sailors.
The event will consist of four days packed full of coaching, racing, pathfinder events, fun afternoons and social activities.
Sailors from all over Ireland have entered the event and excitement is starting to build.
The week has been put together to ensure that all aspects of Optimist sailing and racing are covered for all of our sailors.
The event will consist of four days packed full of coaching, racing, pathfinder events, fun afternoons and social activities. Photo: Afloat
During the week the IODAI U12 and Development squads will be announced providing a great opportunity for the squads to develop friendships and build a sense of team. Those not involved will also be receiving excellent coaching from both International and regional coaches. There really will be superb coaching for all.
While friendships may be forged on the water we all know that there is more to sailing. There are also plenty of opportunities during the week for sailors and their families to enjoy the more social side of the event.
Head coach Soren Laugesen (Denmark) aims to deliver a quality training week at Malahide
Thursday night will see an evening for all at the Grand Hotel Malahide. Dinner for parents will take place in the Matt Ryan bar and the adjoining function room will host our young sailors where they will be kept entertained in the 'Games room'. Dance mats, Retro arcade games and Giant Jenga are just some of the things on offer. Tickets for dinner can be bought via the website - before Monday 25th.
Friday will see coaching continue for our sailors providing a chance for class captains from all clubs to meet up onshore before a parent's information session. The morning is designed to inform parents about life as an Oppi parent, providing support and guidance for those just starting out and advice given from those more seasoned.
The rest of the afternoon will consist of a fun afternoon where sailors and parents alike participate in fun on the water activities with the coveted 'Parents Race' in hot contention! After a fun-filled afternoon on the water St James' Terrace Club House will host Paddy's Pizza Pie where pizza can be purchased after the busy activities of the day.
Saturday will see a return to racing with the Halloween Regatta for all NTW entrants combined with the Crosbie Cup. Sponsored by Dinghy Performance prizes include a new J Green sail and a set of Performance Foils.
The IODAI have issued a special thanks also to CH Marine for their sponsorship and the Grand Hotel for the use of their premises.
Dun Laoghaire Harbour's William Walsh Takes Optimist Munster Title in Cork Harbour (Photo Gallery)
Fourteen-year-old William Walsh of the National Yacht Club at Dun Laoghaire won the 35-boat Senior fleet after six races sailed at the Optimist Munster Championships in Cork Harbour.
Walsh won by nine points from Howth Yacht Club's Des Turvey. Third was Royal Cork Yacht Club's Oisin Pierse.
Royal St. George helmswoman Abigail Murphy, aged 12, continued her overnight lead to win from Malahide Yacht Club's Conor Cronin in the 49 boat Junior fleet. Third was Howth Yacht Club's, Sarah Scott.
After six races sailed in the Regatta fleet, the National Yacht Club's Basile Dion (10) won from Royal Cork Yacht Club's Abigail O'Sullivan. Third was Howth Yacht Club's Kate Spain.
The youth sailing championships utilised the new purpose-built public slipway facilities provided by Port of Cork at Paddy's Point in Ringaskiddy. They raced under the burgee of Monkstown Bay Sailing Club.
The Senior and Junior fleet sailed five races on the Harbour's Curlane Bank under race officer Anthony O'Leary.
The Junior fleet raced on the Oyster Bank, conveniently located close to the Paddy's Point slipway on Saturday but did not race on Sunday due to weather.
The full results are here.
Optimist Munster Championship Day 2 at Paddy's Point Photo Gallery
National Yacht Club's William Walsh Leads Optimist Munsters at Paddy's Point in Cork Harbour (Photo Gallery)
National Yacht Club (NYC) junior sailors lead two of three Optimist dinghy divisions in a 119 boat fleet racing for Munster Championship honours at Monkstown Bay Sailing Club in Cork Harbour.
The youth sailing championships are utilising the new purpose-built public slipway facilities provided by Port of Cork at Paddy's Point in Ringaskiddy under the burgee of MBSC.
The Senior and Junior fleet sailed three races on the Harbour's Curlane Bank under race officer Anthony O'Leary.
The Junior fleet raced on the Oyster Bank, conveniently located close to the Paddy's Point slipway.
Fourteen-year-old William Walsh of the NYC leads the 35-boat Senior fleet after three races sailed from Royal St. George Yacht Club's Patrick Foley. Third is Royal Cork Yacht Club's, Joseph O'Leary.
Royal St. George helmswoman Abigail Murphy, aged 12, leads from Malahide Yacht Club's Conor Cronin in the 49 boat Junior fleet. Third is Kinsale's Ãrigo Ramarez Fernandez.
After six races sailed in the Regatta fleet, the National Yacht Club's Basile Dion (10) leads Royal Cork Yacht Club Abigail O'Sullivan. Third is Howth Yacht Club's Kate Spain.
Full results are here.
