#OPTIMIST – 56 Optimist sailors, with boats and parents, are arriving tonight in Dunmore East, County Waterford to compete in the second leg of the 2012 Optimist trials at Waterford Harbour Sailing Club.
Royal Cork Yacht Club Optimist sailors go into the second leg in a very strong position tomorrow. Four of the top five sailors are Royal Cork sailors after the first leg thus putting the Munster helms in a strong position to represent Irelanfd.
The sailors are competing to represent Ireland in this year's teams. The top five sailors will have the opportunity to compete in the Worlds competition which take place in the Dominican Republic in July. Team places are also available for the Europeans team, who will compete in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, and the International Development team who will compete in the French Nationals in Loctudy.
The first leg of trials took place three weeks ago in Dun Laoghaire, and currently Douglas Elmes (RCYC/WHSC) is leading the fleet, followed by Sophie Browne (TBSC/RCYC), Harry Durcan (RCYC), Sean Donnelly (NYC) and Jil McGinley (RCYC).
The forecast for the weekend in Dunmore East is for Spring tides with medium winds and mixed weather conditions.