Newsletter – August
While it might seem like a lifetime ago that the Development Squad and u12 Team were in Lough Ree, the general consensus is that the summer is simply just not long enough!
The atmosphere a home this week is different for the first time in months as school takes centre stage, but looking back over the past few months it really has been a super summer.
Since the last newsletter, we saw the return of the gallant u12 Team with plenty of silverware from the British National Championships in Weymouth, the re-establishment of a Team Racing National Championship and our own National Championships in Ballyholme Yacht Club. We have also witnessed incredible results from former Oppie sailors who took the global stage by storm, as they achieved their dreams and were crowned World and European Champions, across a variety of different classes.
The week in Ballyholme had it all. The Development squad worked on their suntans on Monday and Tuesday with not a hint that the main proceedings would be interrupted by Storm Betty later in the week. The Club and Race Team did a stellar job to get not only get a full series in but to provide some top notch racing for the fleet. While only one day of racing was missed, it was made up for with moot jury sessions and a talk from the renowned Oppie guru, Steve Irish.
School might only now be starting but we have the National Training Week to look forward to at Halloween in Crosshaven. This is going to be a special one and there will be something for everyone. The coaching ticket led by Gonzalo Pollitzer, (better known to many of you as Bocha!) together with Monsieur Thomas Chaix, our European adventurer Soren Laugesen, and a host of other coaches it will definitely not be one event to miss. Irish Sailing will also be there in support. There will be more details coming over the next few weeks so make sure to keep an eye out in the WhatsApp group and websites.
We will also be introducing a winter training program in place in 2024. Our goal is to assist sailors with their preparations for the Youth Nationals and 3 sessions are planned between January and March next year. This will be open sailors eligible to attend Youth Nationals and we will be in touch with Class Captains once the program has been settled.
Up next are the Connaught Championships in Lough Ree Yacht Club. I’m reliability informed that Dom and his team have booked an Indian Summer and the BBQ will be lit!
Entry is now open and we look forward to see you all there for the last regional event of the year.
See you all in Ree!
Paddy Ryan
IODAI President – [email protected]
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