Douglas Elmes wins Trials 2012
Sailors enjoyed three days of mixed conditions in Waterford Harbour Sailing Club this weekend; windy conditions on day 1 allowed the race officer to get in four races despite a later start. This was followed by calmer conditions on day 2, with another three races, and Sunday night’s storm ended with a beautiful sunny day with light winds but high seas on Monday, and only one last race to go. The last race was probably the most important of the series because everything rested on the results. In the end, Douglas Elmes, who took first place in the first race of trials in Dun Laoghaire, never relinquished his lead and won the overall prize. Team places have now been allocated and the selected teams are:
Worlds Team – Douglas Elmes, Sophie Browne, Harry Whitaker, Harry Durcan and Megan Parker. The Worlds team will compete in the World Championships in the Dominican Republic in July with their coach, Dennis Paaske.
Europeans Team – Jil McGinley, Scott Levie, Daniel Raymond, Ewan McMahon, Ronan Cournane, Cliodhna Ní Shuilleabhain and Alacoque Daly. The European Championship will be held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy in July. Peter McCann also qualified for the Europeans team; Peter achieved 7th position in last year’s Europeans but has decided to retire from the Optimist class and did not take up his place this year.
International Development Team – Richard Hogan, Adam D’Arcy, Ciaran Finnegan, Johnny Durcan, Alix Buckley, Heather Spain and Ros Morgan. The International Team will compete in the French Nationals in Loctudy in July. Qualifying for trials is a great achievement in itself and congratulations must go to all sailors who competed in the Trials event, particularly those who qualified for the first time, including the youngest sailors competing, Emma Parker and Tom Keal who will be sailors to watch in the future. Well done to all! Photos courtesy Paul Keal, Mainsheet Images |
