The B-Cademy pilot program winter period just concluded. The program has been pretty eventful with 3 trips abroad and the incredible journey back from Italy when flights were cancelled all over Europe. Here is a rapid reviews of the program todate which started in december around Caroline Murphy's kitchen table in Kinsale at the initial clinic:

- 4 days clinic in Kinsale (see report in archives) : light air and cold, very cold! a good week though with several hours afloat and a good introduction to fitness.

- a few informal sessions in Tralee ( January) : Alan, Sean and Eoin took the Tralee cold water for a few hours afloat alongside Barry and I in the 470.

- Uk qualifier in Stokes Bay : Alan secured is international criteria in Style finishing 9th overall.

-5 days clinic in the UK : A relaxed but very informative 5 days away from Ireland. The weather was not the kindest but hours were clocked on.

- Uk qualifier in Plymouth : Rory (30th), Eoin (23rd) and Sophie ( 2nd in Silver)joined Alan (13th) in the group of sailors having achieved the international criteria.

- Munster championships in Baltimore : Alan ends up joined point at the top but settled for 2nd overall with a solid series including two race wins. Rory (7th) and Conor (9th) in the top 10 as well.

- ISA youth nationals in Schull : Rory (5th) and Alan (7th) Mathematically still in contention to catch the coveted male ISAF place but their lack of consistency is putting a lot of pressure on before the next leg of the process. Sean (9th) also top 10. Sophie Murphy (13th) takes the lead in the girls.

- Europa cup in Italy : only 3 races for the awaited Garda E-Cup! Rory (20th) started on fire but needed a discard to be right at the top. Alan (28th) and Conor (91st with a scored OCS) were in the same situation. Sean (72nd) secures the international criteria.

- Mittsubishi youth regatta: Final event of the program. Rory (2nd) keeps the fight alive for the ISAF place but once more has to let Mattie O Dowd take the final honours. Alan (5th) started well but struggled on the final day. Sophie (6th) took the opposition down once more to take the top female spot and secure by the same her place to Turkey setting up an amazing summer ( ISAF youth worlds followed by the youth Olympics).

With Rory Runner up of the ISAF youth worlds trials and Sophie securing the coveted place for the girls ahead of runner up Ruth, the program has been pretty successful and promises are up for the summer in Largs where 5 members will participate at the radial class worlds.