The IODAI Optimist Connacht Championships took place over the weekend of the 7/8 July hosted by Lough Derg Yacht Club. The event attracted over 100 entries. The club was represented by 22 Junior members and all had a fantastic time with amazing sunshine,with some families choosing to camp and enjoy the wonderful hospitality laid on by the host club.
The event was sailed in very shifty, light winds over the weekend and race officer John Leech did a great job to get 5 races in the Junior Fleet and 4 races in the Senior Fleet. The Regatta Fleet managed to get 9 races in over the weekend.
Luke Turvey, Fiachra Mc Donnell, Sam Ledoux, Conor Gorman, Hugh Turvey, Rian Geraghty- Mc Donnell, Thomas OâNeill, Christian Ennis, Lauren OâCallaghan and Rachel Flood sailed in the 42 strong Senior fleet .
Rocco Wright, Clementine van Steenberge, Lucia Cullen, Conor Staunton, Caoilinn Mc Donnell, Hugo Crawford and Ava Ennis sailed in the 44 strong Junior Fleet.
Kate Flood ,Lizzie Hall, James Hall, Ciara OâSullivan and Grace Gavin sailed in the 19 strong Regatta Fleet.
There was great NYC representation at the prize giving with the following results:
Senior Fleet
Luke Turvey finished 2nd place overall, Fiachra Mc Donnell finished 4th place overall, Sam Ledoux finished 6th place overall, Conor Gorman finished 9th place overall,Hugh Turvey finished 11th place overall and Rian Geraghty Mc Donnell finished 12th place overall.
Rachel Flood won both 1st place and 1st girl in Senior Silver Fleet.
Junior Fleet
Rocco Wright won 1st place overall Clementine van Steenberge won 5th place overall and First Girl in Gold Fleet, Lucia Cullen won 7th place overall.
Caoilinn Mc Donnell won First Girl in Silver Fleet in her first Junior Main Event.
Regatta Fleet
Kate Flood won 2nd place overall, First U11 girl and received a special prize for most sporting sailor, Lizzie Hall won First U10 Girl.
The Worlds Team with NYC Sailor Rian Geraghty- Mc Donnell were presented with their kit we wish the Worlds Team well in their event in August in Cyprus.
The U12 Team with NYC sailors Rocco Wright ,Clementine van Steenberge, Lucia Cullen, Conor Staunton and Edward Dempsey were presented with their kit we wish them well in August in their Event in Pwlheli in Wales.
All of our young sailors sailed really well over the 2 days.
All Parents and sailors were warmly welcomed by the volunteers at Lough Derg Yacht Club.
We would like to thank to NYC coach Cian Mollen for the on the water support for the main fleet .Thanks also to all those that brought ribs over for coach support and safety.
Please see results on www.iodai.com
Please see link below for photographs many thanks to Paul Michel Ledoux
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3diflsqd0g0do45/AACrC2Eb03Me4NGfidosRGx-a?dl=0
Entries open for Crosbie Cup and 2018 Irish Nationals
Entries for the Crosbie Cup for Silver Fleet Sailors taking place in Sutton Dinghy Club on the 28/29 July and the 2018 Optimist Irish Nationals taking place in Kinsale Yacht Club from the 16th to 19th August are now open. Please register on www.iodai.com
Rebecca Hall
Optimist Class Captain
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