In the Optimist fleet...
The french open (CIE) was removed of the IODAI program for the developement team. Sophie Browne who had opted to go to the worlds in December is keeping her effort to achieve her dream and compete at the front of the world scene travelled to Plerin to join the 500 boats strong field. 144 sailors from 12 countries (CAN, IRL, GBR, FRA, BEL, NED, SUI, ALG, HKG, ESP, POL and BRA) where represented in the top fleet... After 10 races, it was her consistency inside the top 30 and a couple of top 10 finishes that placed Sophie on top of the the ladies podium with an outstanding 7th overall. ( video of the final race below; no subtitle, sorry! A quick glance at Sophie on the podium towards the end of the video). Her pre-worl campaign could not start on a better note. Well done Sophie!
Summer is also the time of the Club summer regattas and summer course sailors to show their potential against the "top" Irish sailors. The national YC had a successful one in gorgeous sunshine and light breeze. 3 races were sailed for the 38 sailors in the main fleet. It was very tight at the top and eventually Daniel Raymond's experience came out on top with two 2nd and a bullet. He edged out young Loghlen Rickard who had taken the te initial tow races but could only manage 7th on the final race. Completing the podium was Conor Kneafsey. Evie Byrne 6th was good enough to give her the top girl position. The Regatta fleet had an amazing 53 bost entry and Luke Rickard had a solid series to take the top prize home. The Howth YC regatta was even more competitive with a few Irish development team sailors making their final adjustemnt before travelling to Germany and the U12 squad in full swing having trained the previous two days. 3 races were sailed in difficult light conditions for the 35 sailors. Favourite Adam Hyland eventually won. But it was not plain sailing for the Dun Laoghaire sailor and despite two solid wins he was pushed all the way by Ronan Cournane, natural leader of the U12 squad. Third position went to Richard Hogan who was using the regatta as his last prepration to the German open. Top girl was Megan Parker in 6th and it was noted that 10 year old Alex Buckley from Skerries is definitely one to watch (7th overall). The regatta fleet was hotly competed and taken by local 8 year old Jamie McMahon ( another one to watch for the futur) |
In the laser fleet...
Philip Doran and Sophie Murphy won a race each at the youth worlds taking excellent finishes overall comfirming the good summer of Irish sailing. Phil was 10th at the end and Sophie 11th. They both comfirmed their status at the laser radial youth worlds with yet another result upfront. In the absence of the front runners, the connaughts were very open in the radial. Tiffany Brien collected the honours. In the 4.7, it was once more a match between Seafra and Cian and once more Seafra took the trophy home. In the std Rig, Ronan Cull got his revenge against Alan Ruigrok both sailors taking advantage of the BFDs collected by the Espey brothers. |
In the topper fleet...
| Topper nationals / Blessington traveller / lead up to the worlds... soon updated |
