The title of Connaught Schools Team Sailing Champions went to Calasantius College, Oranmore last Saturday (16th April). PHOTOS BELOW. The winning team was made up of Rian Conboy, Cian Walsh, Cormac Furey, Rebecca Mullins, Jenny Carberry, Eoin Breen and David Carberry. Connaught school team entrants included last years Connaught Champions Rice College, Westport who were out in force to defend the title however they were knocked out early in the day. From Galway city were teams from St. Joseph's College, The Bish and Coláiste Éinde, (St. Enda's), and from the county were Scoil Chuimsítheach Chiaráin, Carraroe and Calasanctius College, Oranmore.
This event, sponsored by Yachtsman Euromarine and organised by Bow Waves Marine School was officially opened by Galway TD., Ciaran Cannon, Minister of State for Training and Skills at 9.30am at Bow Waves, in the Galway Ocean Sports Centre in Galway Harbour Enterprise Park. 'Here in Galway we are so lucky to be surrounded by water. Our young people need to be exposed to such leisure sports as sailing at an early age so as to cultivate a passion and respect for a healthy lifestyle and enjoyment of our waterways. Bow Waves provides an extensive portfolio of high quality marine training to all ages and I commend them for their efforts in developing the Connacht Championships here in Galway and all the efforts they are making for school goers to get involved in sailing,' said Mr. Ciaran Cannon, TD.
The first race began just after 10.00am on the course laid out in Lough Atalia making it very accessible for all to spectate and watch the skills of these young sailors. Seeing the dinghy sailing activity on the sparkling water with the sun shine is a great start to a summers activities. This unusual sight attracted the attention of Galwegians and visitors alike. Early in the day, the wind was very light making racing difficult however the wind picked up as the sun came out in the afternoon adding to the excitement of the day.
