Irish U-12 squad shines at UK Optimist Nationals in Weymouth
Irish U-12 squad shines at UK Optimist Nationals in Weymouth
Ten Irish U-12 sailors were selected by IODAI to travel to Portland Weymouth to take part in the UK Junior National Championships 29 July – 04 August. Over 400 international sailors across three fleets gathered in windy weather to compete at the impressive Olympic venue. Although high winds prevented two days of sailing, races were squeezed into the remaining days and a total of nine races were completed with one discard for both Junior Gold and Silver fleets. NYC sailors had a super event. Sam Ledoux and Clementine Vansteenberge both qualified for Junior Gold fleet with Sam coming in 9
th overall and 1
st Irish U-12 team and Clementine, only 11 years old, coming in 35
th and 1
st Irish girl. Silver fleet sailor Ella Dempsey came in 9
th position overall with a well-deserved 3
rd place in the final race.
Other NYC sailors who travelled to Weymouth were Nathan Vansteenberge, coming 16
th overall and 3
rd Irish and Hugh Turvey came 18th overall and 4th Irish, both in Senior Gold fleet, as well as Edward Dempsey who sailed very well in Regatta fleet.
The events was the first international competition for many of the U-12 sailors and proved to be a wonderful opportunity and rich learning experience. A big thanks to the UK organisers and a special thank you to IODAI and Thomas Chaix who coached the U-12 team before and during the event.
