Optimist talent Justin Lucas scored three wins out of eight races on his way to a convincing victory at the Optimist Club Netherlands selection event last weekend.

Last year’s Sailor of the Month for April, who sails out of the Royal Cork and Tralee Bay, was part of a small Irish contingent at Heeg along with his brother Emmet Lucas, who finished 83rd, and Alana Twomey who placed 21st.

The result completed a big weekend for Irish Oppy prospects as James Dwyer Matthews and Luke Turvey took two podium spots at the British Spring Opens in Lymington, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.

A stellar international performance in the Magic Marine Easter Regatta in The Netherlands, and an overall victory in the Irish Sailing Youth Pathway Nationals in Dublin Bay in the Optimist, makes Justin Lucas of Tralee Bay SC and Royal Cork YC our “Sailor of the Month” for April.

At 14 years “Optimist age”, he is probably the youngest sailor ever to be on his own on the monthly podium. But with a good second in a ferociously competitive fleet in Dutch waters, and then maintaining his lead in the final day’s incredibly flukey conditions in Dublin Bay, young Lucas is in a class of his own.

#Optimist - Justin Lucas of the Royal Cork and Tralee Bay placed second at the Magic Marine Easter Regatta in the Netherlands yesterday (Monday 2 April).

A long weekend of sailing on the Braassemermeer northeast of Leiden saw Lucas finish just two points behind the winner, Kerem Erkmen of Turkey, in the final tally.

The two days also saw a strong showing by fellow Team Ireland Optimist sailor Harry Twomey (Royal Cork/Crookhaven Harbour), who was second before leaving early to prepare for trials.

Johnny Flynn, of Howth Yacht Club, came into the final day in third and finished a respectable 15th.