The 130 Optimist sailors and their parents who descended on the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven last week were full of trepidation, with storm Ciaran potentially leading to no sailing. As it happened, all four days of IODAI NTW (National Training Week) were sailable, and the options in Cork Harbour for sheltered sailing helped.
Now in it’s third year, NTW has become a centrepiece in the Optimist calendar. Its mix of training, social and fun, with less emphasis on racing results, has seen a huge increase in new sailors participating in this event. The IODAI committee were delighted to see lots of new regatta fleet participants, auguring well for the healthy future of the class.
Jim Hughes of host club RCYC, along with the IODAI team, ran an excellent week of training culminating in the final day being sailed as the Halloween Regatta incorporating the Crosbie Cup. An army of volunteers on and off the water supported the coaching team led by world-renowned Olympic coach Bocha Pollitzer of Argentina.
Optimist sailors during a Optimist Dinghy 2023 National Training Week race at Royal Cork Yacht Club in Cork Harbour
The disco was a huge hit with the sailors, and the now famous “In it to win it” prize draw each day kept the fun and social aspect of sailing at the forefront. For the parents, Dr Aine McNamara gave a presentation on supporting your child in sailing with the ability to overcome setbacks and a positive mental attitude as key takeaways.
All four days of IODAI Optimist National Training Week were sailable, and the options in Cork Harbour for sheltered sailing helped to complete the programme
On Saturday, the focus shifted from training to racing, with the Crosbie Cup and Halloween Cup run in parallel. The top three in the Halloween Cup were Patrick Fegan (MYC/RSGYC), Max O’Hare (RSGYC) and Juliette Ryan (RSGYC/MYC/HYC). In the Crosbie Cup for Bronze Fleet sailors, the top three were Tara Hayes (RCYC/MBSC), Emily Lynch (RCYC) and Dylan O’Sullivan (RCYC).
Full results below.
Both parents and sailors alike were unanimous in their feedback that the week had been a huge success and created lots of positive memories and new and renewed friendships. Sponsors Grant Thornton and O’Leary Insurance were delighted to be associated with the NTW. President Paddy Ryan said, “I am thrilled that the weather worked out for us and that the sailors and parents had a great time.” Ryan gave thanks to all those who supported the event and promised an even better NTW next year.
