Over 110 Young Sailors for IODAI Training Week at Lough Ree

21st October 2026

Afloat.ie Team

IODAI National Training Week 2026 – More than 110 young sailors will gather at Lough Ree for coaching, the Halloween Regatta and Crosbie Cup Credit: Afloat

More than 110 young sailors have registered for the Irish Optimist Dinghy Association (IODAI) National Training Week at Lough Ree Yacht Club from Wednesday, 28 October, to Saturday, 31 October.

The four-day event, one of the association's biggest National Training Weeks to date, will bring together young sailors from across Ireland for coaching, racing skills development and a Halloween regatta.

Jim Hughes, President of IODAI, said: “This is shaping up to be one of our biggest National Training Weeks ever, with over 110 sailors registered. It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm from young sailors around the country, and we’re looking forward to a great National Training Week at Lough Ree Yacht Club.”

International and Irish Coaching Team

Greek coach Antonis Drosopoulos heads the international coaching line-up. His career spans almost 30 years and includes coaching national teams to titles at the 2024 and 2025 Optimist Boys' World Championships.

Irish coach Peter McCann returns to his Optimist roots after more than a decade of international coaching. An eight-time Irish national title winner, McCann has also finished in the top ten at the Optimist European Championships twice.

Established Optimist coach Jenna Reid also returns, having previously coached the Irish Under-12 Team. She brings experience across ILCA, GP14 and 49er sailing.

Jonny Durkan, a former Irish Optimist World Team member, completes the coaching line-up, drawing on experience in several classes, including the 49er, RC44 and J/70.

Halloween Regatta and Crosbie Cup

Alongside the on-the-water coaching programme, sailors will have opportunities to develop their racing skills, build confidence and learn from experienced international and Irish coaches.

The popular Halloween Hooley returns on Friday evening, 30th October, followed by the Halloween Regatta and Crosbie Cup on Saturday, 31 October. The programme combines four days of training with a competitive conclusion at Lough Ree.

Published in Optimist, Youth Sailing

Published in Optimist

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Irish Sailing Youth Nationals, Ballyholme Yacht Club – 9–12 April (Invite only)
Junior and Senior Development Squads Training, Lough Ree Yacht Club – 2–4 May Bank Holiday (Squads only)
U12 Training, Lough Ree Yacht Club – 2–4 May (Bank Holiday) (Squad only)
Ulsters, Strangford Lough Yacht Club – 16–17 May (Open)
Munsters, Waterford Harbour Sailing Club – 13–14 June (Open)
Leinsters, Howth Yacht Club – 18–19 July (Open)
=National Team Racing Champs, Royal Cork Yacht Club – 12 August (Open)
National Championships, RCYC – 13–16 August (Open)
Connachts, GBSC – 12–13 September (Open)