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.
