Young Topper Sailors Navigate Challenges and Celebrate Victories at Donaghadee Sailing Club Event

6th June 2024

The scene at Donaghdee Harbour on the Ards Peninsula when Donaghadee Sailing Club played host to the third Topper Ireland/ITCA Traveller event of 2024 Credit: Jim Brown

Donaghadee Sailing Club on the Ards Peninsula in Northern Ireland recently hosted the third Topper Ireland/ITCA Traveller event of 2024, welcoming young sailors from various clubs for a weekend of friendly competition and skill-building.

The event kicked off with a training session on Saturday, where 12 junior sailors from Donaghadee Sailing Club and Ballyholme Yacht Club received coaching on racing rules and tactics in preparation for Sunday's races.

On Sunday, favourable weather conditions greeted the young sailors, and a fleet of 32 Toppers took to the water for an exhilarating day of racing. Competitors, aged 10 to 16, travelled from as far as Sligo, Limerick, Fermanagh, and Dublin to participate in the event.

Throughout the day, the young sailors navigated the challenging tidal streams off the harbour, showcasing their skills and determination. In total, four races took place over seven hours, providing ample opportunity for the sailors to test their abilities on the water.

Some of the young Topper sailors from various Irish sailing clubs gathered at Donaghdeee Harbour for a weekend of friendly competition and skill-building at the Topper Ireland/ITCA Traveller event of 2024 Photo: Heather Hutchinson

The event culminated in a day filled with fun and valuable experiences for all participants. The organisers and volunteers were commended for their efforts in ensuring the event's success and creating lasting memories for the young sailors.

Top honours went to Siún Ní Choistealbha from Malahide Yacht Club in the female youth (14yrs+) category, Matthew Holden from Ballyholme Yacht Club in the male youth (14yrs+), Polly Robinson, also from Ballyholme, in the female junior (U14yrs) group, Jack Ives from Carlingford Sailing Club in the male junior (U14yrs) category, and Adam Green from Lough Erne Yacht Club in the 4.2 Rig Fleet. Additionally, Matthew Holden from Ballyholme Yacht Club emerged as the overall winner of the event.

Donaghadee Sailing Club Topper Traveller 2024 winnersDonaghadee Sailing Club Topper Traveller 2024 results

Looking ahead, Donaghadee Sailing Club is gearing up to welcome sailing enthusiasts to its Discover Sailing Day on Saturday, June 29th, offering an opportunity to learn more about the sport and the club's activities.

Published in Topper, Youth Sailing, Northern Ireland Waters

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