'Let's go sailing way out west' went up the cry, and with that, 121 young sailors and their families travelling from all over Ireland headed to Galway Bay for the IODAI Optimist Connaught Championships 2024.
Such was the flawless programme and management of the weekend; participants would never have guessed that this was Galway Bay Sailing Club's biggest-ever regatta. After a warm welcome from Commodore Pat Irwin and his team, the sailors headed out.
Despite changeable conditions, Race Officers John Leech and Margot Cronin and their teams completed 6-7 races per fleet over the two days across the Senior Main, Junior Main, Racing Regatta, and Coached Regatta fleets.
A lot of the fun is had in the Regatta Fleets, but that's not to say they are any less competitive. IODAI Coach Joseph Karazum spent time preparing the Racing Regatta fleet for the blustery weekend ahead. When racing started, Summer Harris of WHSC was to the front with four bullets, with David Judge of SDC and Hugo Jackson of WHSC securing second and third places. Max Dinneen SSC and Oliver Gunderson SDYC finished strong in the top five.
Summer Harris, WHSC, Winner of Racing Regatta Fleet at the IODAI Connaught Championships Photo: Bernie Joyce
Regatta Racing Fleet
- Summer Harris
- David Judge
- Hugo Jackson
- Max Dinner
- Oliver Gunderson
Tom Kingston of KYC took first in the Regatta Coached fleet, followed by John Keating RCYC and Andrew Arthurs RSGYC & LDYC. Kate Walsh RSGYC and John McElligott RCYC & ISC rounded out the top five, showcasing future sailing talent under the watchful eye of IODAI Coach Ella Dempsey. These sailors have progressed hugely since the start of the season.
Regatta Coached Fleet
- Tom Kingston
- John Keating
- Andrew Arthurs
- Kate Walsh
- John McElligott
The Senior Main fleet was as competitive as ever. Max O'Hare, RStGYC, (pictured top) held his composure and retained his title as Connaught Champion for another year. Sisters Lily Donagh and Maeve Donagh RSGYC & LDYC took second and third, while Kate Spain RSGYC & HYC and Charlotte Crosbie RNIYC rounded out the top five with solid performances and only a point separating each place.
Senior Main Fleet
- Max O'Hare
- Lily Donagh
- Maeve Donagh
- Kate Spain
- Charlotte Crosbie
A nicely consistent performance saw Ruairi Slattery of LDYC lead the Junior Main fleet home, followed by Ollie Ryan RSGYC & MYC and Dylan O'Sullivan of RCYC in a tight battle for 2nd and 3rd. Alex Butcher NYC & MYC and Ava Molloy RSGYC also showed impressive skills, completing the top five.
Ruairi Slattery of LDYC led the Junior Optimist fleet at the IODAI Connaught Championships Photo: Bernie Joyce
Junior Main Fleet
- Ruairi Slattery
- Oliver Ryan
- Dylan O'Sullivan
- Alex Butcher
- Ava Molloy
Thanks to PRO John Leech and Margot Cronin, IODAI Committee Member Cian Baynes, and GBSC's team of 70 volunteers for a well-run event. Their hard work ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
Looking ahead, the IODAI National Championships will be held at Howth Yacht Club from August 15th to 18th. Over 220 boats are expected.
