IODAI Optimist Squads Train at Lough Ree Yacht Club

16th May 2023

The U12 IODAI Optimist Team includes Abigail O’Sullivan, Tara Hayes, Basile Dion, Eoin Pierse, Emily Donagh, Maeve Donagh, Tomás A Coistealbha, Hugo Breen, Holly Cantwell, Donnchadh Duane, Clara McElligott, Lucy Scott, Patrick Fegan

Lough Ree Yacht Club were host to the fun, friendships and team-building experience by the Irish Optimist Dinghy Association of Ireland (IODAI) Development Squad and the U12 team last weekend when the teams came together for the first time to train, writes Brendan Foley of the IODAI

Two great days of sailing commenced with light winds and sunshine on Saturday before returning to shore for our very own battle of the provinces in a rugby match on the lawn of Lough Ree YC whilst the BBQ was prepared. The Development Squad were presented with their Team Gear by Head Coach Adam Walsh, with a special thanks to sponsor Grant Thornton. The U12 Team were presented with their Team Gear by their Head Coach, Frances Corkery, who will travel with the U12 Team to Weymouth in August for the British Optimist Nationals.

The IODAI Development Squad includes Oliver Ryan, Dylan O’Sullivan, Aurèle Dion, Charlie McKibben, Senan Rowan, Aisling Cronin, Rossa Mitchell Ward, Louie Murphy, Niamh Baynes, Kate Byrne, Judith Boyd, Ella Manion, Jack Doolan, Aoife McElligott, Sarah McLoughlin, Penny Doig, Amy Shelley, Angus Huang, Amy O’Halloran, Jack O’Halloran, Isaac Vaughan, Blake Vaughan, Patrick McNaughton, Alex Butcher Photo: IODAI

Sunday saw stronger winds on the lough and an opportunity for this promising group of keen sailors to test their skills and continue improving their technique under their coaches' watchful eye. Following the debriefing, cars, boats, trailers, tents & campervans were all packed up along with tired sailors, all eagerly anticipating the first event of the season next weekend in Dun Laoghaire, the Leinsters hosted in the National Yacht Club. Whilst the weekend was a tremendous success and will no doubt provide lasting memories for the new friendships formed, supporting sailors at this early stage of their journey secures the future of the class.

Development Squad
Oliver Ryan, Dylan O’Sullivan, Aurèle Dion, Charlie McKibben, Senan Rowan, Aisling Cronin, Rossa Mitchell Ward, Louie Murphy, Niamh Baynes, Kate Byrne, Judith Boyd, Ella Manion, Jack Doolan, Aoife McElligott, Sarah McLoughlin, Penny Doig, Amy Shelley, Angus Huang, Amy O’Halloran, Jack O’Halloran, Isaac Vaughan, Blake Vaughan, Patrick McNaughton, Alex Butcher.

U12 Team
Abigail O’Sullivan, Tara Hayes, Basile Dion, Eoin Pierse, Emily Donagh, Maeve Donagh, Tomás A Coistealbha, Hugo Breen, Holly Cantwell, Donnchadh Duane, Clara McElligott, Lucy Scott, Patrick Fegan.

Published in Optimist, Youth Sailing, Inland Waterways

Published in Optimist

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Optimist

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