Update on the Optimist Trials Crosshaven 2019

May 2, 2019 | Junior events, Junior Sailing

NYC takes a podium place at Optimist trials

25 – 28 April Crosshaven Cork was the venue for the four-day series of the Optimist trials as part of the 2019 Irish Sailing Youth Nationals. More than 60 pre-qualified optimist sailors from all over Ireland competed including 14 NYC sailors with their eyes firmly set on the prize of representing Ireland this summer on an IODAI sailing team.

The event was challenging with a mix of high winds and calmer conditions testing the sailors in three races on Thursday and three on Friday. Storm Hannah disrupted sailing on Saturday but light winds on the final day allowed two races to complete the series.

NYC’s Performance Red group showed how hard work pays off. Having trained every weekend over the winter months at NYC, alongside the Orange and Green development groups, they achieved their ambitious goal of every group member qualifying for an IODAI team.

Throughout the trials, NYC’s Sam Ledoux stayed top of the table, finishing in 3rd place overall to qualify to represent Ireland at the World Optimist Championship in Antigua in July. Luke Turvey moved steadily up the scoreboard as the competition progressed, achieving 5th place overall, also qualifying for the IODAI Worlds team. Fiachra McDonnell qualified to represent Ireland at the Optimist European Championships in Crozon-Morgat, France along with Clementine van Steenberge. Lauren O’Callaghan will travel to Belgium as part of IODAI’s 1st Development Team and Rachel Flood qualified for a place on IODAI’s 2nd Development Team in France.

All the sailors represented the National Yacht Club well at the 2019 trials including Hugh Crawford, Lucia Cullen, Christian Ennis, Edward Dempsey, Ella Dempsey, Caoilinn McDonnell, Conor Staunton and Ava Ennis. Success was not only achieved by qualifying for an IODAI team – for many of the sailors it was their first experience at trials – completing the four days in a highly competitive environment showed great commitment and determination. Next stop is Skerries for the Ulster Regional Optimist Championships 25-26 May!

 

The excellent results are also due to the fantastic work and support provided by NYC coaches Lola Resano, who trained the red group every Saturday and Sunday, and John Durcan who coached the development groups. Finally, a huge thanks to all the volunteers at RCYC and IODAI for organising a terrific trials! All results are on Irish Sailing.

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