Over 120 Young Sailors Shine at National Optimist Training Week 2024 in Royal St. George Yacht Club

8th November 2024

Afloat.ie Team

Participants at the National Optimist Training Week 2024 at the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire

The National Optimist Training Week 2024 at the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire brought together over 120 young sailors, coaches, and families for an unforgettable experience. The event emphasised community and growth and showcased the development of Optimist sailing across Ireland.

Under Head Coach Soren Laugesen and a coaching team, sailors aged 7 to 14 participated in tailored training sessions. According to the organisers, the sessions focused on race tactics, boat handling, and building confidence.

National Optimist Training Week 2024 at the Royal St. George Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire Photo: Andrew Conan

Amidst on-water training, participants enjoyed social events, including the annual dinner and insightful talks from Irish Sailing’s Rory Fitzpatrick and Liam Glynn. The week culminated in a race day, featuring the Halloween Regatta and Crosbie Cup, with 74 boats competing in spirited competition led by PRO Nigel Biggs and his team.

Max O'Hare (RStGYC) received his Senior Gold price at the Halloween Regatta in the Royal St. George Yacht Club Photo: Andrew Conan

Halloween Regatta Senior Main Fleet Top 3:
1st: Max O'Hare (RStGYC) — Senior Gold
2nd: Anna Williams (SLYC) — Senior Bronze
3rd: Dougie Venner (RCYC) — Senior Gold

Anna Williams (SLYC) was the Senior Bronze winner in the Crosbie Cup Photo: Andrew Conan

Crosbie Cup Winners:

1st: Anna Williams (SLYC) — Senior Bronze
2nd: Oscar Rowan (WHSC) — Junior Bronze
3rd: Cian Farrell (RStGYC) — Junior Silver

Meanwhile, inside the harbour, the Racing Regatta and Regatta Coached fleets battled it out with three races. The winners were as follows:

Regatta Racing Top 3:
1st: Sadhbh Smith (GBSC)
2nd: Robert Tottenham (LDYC)
3rd: Robin Mullett (RStGYC)

Regatta Coached Top 3:
1st: William Arthurs (LDYC / RStGYC)
2nd: John Sheridan (WHSC)
3rd: Quinn Rowan (WHSC)

Looking ahead, the IODAI are already gearing up for a full calendar of events next season, with regattas planned at the National Yacht Club (Leinsters), East Antrim Boat Club(Ulsters), Lough Derg Yacht Club (Connaughts), Lough Ree Yacht Club (Nationals), and Kinsale Yacht Club (Munsters).

Published in Optimist

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