#optinats – Malahide Yacht Club's Gemma McDowell leads the Leaseplan Irish Optimist National Championship at Skerries Sailing Club after two days of racing. The event continues until Sunday.
McDowell faces stiff opposition from Howth's Harry Bell who is just one point behind her, and from Tom Higgins (Royal St George) and Peter Fagan (Skerries) who are both just three points astray of her.
In other fleets Royal Cork is showing excellent form with Harry Twomey leading the Junior Fleet and Jamie Venner mastering the Regatta Fleet. In the latter fleet RCYC dominates the top 5 with Anna Keal (third), Max Coveney (fourth) and Lucy Bateman (Fifth).
Almost 200 competitors are taking part with dozens representing the UK, France, Spain and the USA in the parallel Open Championships.
Today's winds were brisker and more reliable than Thursday's lighter conditions although Senior Race Officer Liam Dineen has been able to complete a full schedule of races.
A separate course is being raced by the Regatta Fleet while the Open, Junior and Senior events are being raced on the main racecourse.
The Junior Fleet racing on Thursday at the Leaseplan Irish Optimist National Championship at Skerries SC. (Outdoor Photography Skerries)
Results here
