Ireland's top young Optimist sailors have been officially launched for the 2026 World and European Championships following a team presentation at the National Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire.
The ceremony took place over the June Bank Holiday weekend and coincided with a week-long training camp on Dublin Bay as both squads fine-tune preparations for international competition.
The Irish Optimist Worlds Team will compete at the Optimist World Championship in Tangier, Morocco, from 18 to 28 June. Selected sailors are Emily Donagh, Maeve Donagh and Philippa Arthurs, representing Royal St George and Lough Derg Yacht Clubs, Oscar Rowan of Waterford Harbour Sailing Club and Royal Cork Yacht Club, and Holly Cantwell of Royal St George Yacht Club.
World Class — The Irish Optimist Worlds Team with coach Antonis Drosopoulos ahead of Tangier 2026
The Irish Optimist Europeans Team will race at the Optimist European Championship in Gdynia, Poland, from 24 to 31 July. The squad comprises Ruairi Slattery, Isaac Vaughan, Felix Crinion, Eoin Pierse, Jess Walsh, Lilly Sheridan and Ava Molloy, representing clubs from Dublin, Cork and Waterford.
Euro Crew — The Irish Optimist Europeans Team will race in Gdynia, Poland, from 24-31 July
Both teams are training together under the guidance of internationally respected coach Antonis Drosopoulos, who brings more than 25 years of experience and a track record that includes coaching sailors to over 20 world championship medals.
"The standard within both squads has been impressive from the outset," Drosopoulos said.
"These sailors are committed, disciplined and highly focused in their preparation. This week in Dublin Bay is about refining racing skills, strengthening race strategy and ensuring the teams arrive at the World and European Championships fully prepared to compete at the highest level." He added, "Ireland continues to produce talented Optimist sailors, and these teams have earned their place on the international stage."
The launch event also recognised the support of families, coaches and sailing clubs that contribute to the development of young sailors across the country.
The Irish Optimist Dinghy Association (IODAI) said participation in the class remains strong nationwide, supported by active club programmes and a busy national racing calendar.
Attention now turns to the Munster Championships in Dunmore East on 13-14 June, the second regional championship of the 2026 season. With final preparations underway, both Irish squads are focused on representing Ireland in Morocco and Poland this summer.
