Optimist sailors in Ireland have found a new and exciting way to stave off boredom during winter training. The Irish Optimist Dinghy Association (IODAI) recently created the IODAI Sprint Series, which aims to give young sailors more opportunities to race and socialise with their peers.
Despite the series' first run being postponed due to bad weather, 35 Optimist sailors took to the water last Saturday in Dun Laoghaire Harbour for an exhilarating start to the Series. Hosted by the National Yacht Club and led by OOD Alex Walsh, four highly competitive races were run in a light westerly breeze.
Coaching was a feature of the Irish Optimist Dinghy Association's Sprint Series at Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Anatole Guinamard
Unlike other regattas, the IODAI Sprint Series does not divide competitors by age or experience level, allowing everyone to race together. The ‘Worlds’ course, which will also be used for the upcoming Youth Nationals, ensured that races were turned around quickly while still providing a highly competitive track for the fleet within the confines of Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
IODAI Sprint Series leg at Dun Laoghaire Harbour hosted by the National Yacht Club Photo: Anatole Guinamard
Max O’Hare (RStGYC) emerged as the star of the day, bagging three first-place finishes and discarding only a final OCS. Juliet Ryan (RStGYC/MYC/HYC) followed closely behind, with Abby Murphy (RStGYC) finishing in third place. Local sailors Dylan O’Sullivan and Rian O’Neill from the Royal Cork Yacht Club also showed no signs of fatigue from their early start that morning.
Max O’Hare (RStGYC) Irish Optimist Dinghy Association's Sprint Series winner at Dun Laoghaire Harbour Photo: Laura Greer
The IODAI Sprint Series is not just about providing young sailors with more racing opportunities, it also supports sailors from smaller clubs with their winter programs by giving them access to a national fleet. The later-than-usual start time meant that there were entries from Strangford Lough to Kinsale Yacht Club.
The format of the IODAI Sprint Series was received well by competitors, who enjoyed hot chocolate and the chance to catch the second half of the Ireland vs. Wales match. The final leg of the series will take place on March 23, 2024, at Lough Derg Yacht Club.
