Having listened to feedback from some of our up and coming optimist
sailors, a team racing league was established in the club which
recently took place over three consecutive Sundays.
Team racing continues to grow as a very popular form of racing around
the globe (for many dinghy classes) and the optimist class is no
exception. It encapsulates the importance of an entire team scoring
good results in a race and not just the individual; Some of our less
experienced team racing sailors soon came to grips with the concept,
which resulted in some very competitive and tight racing.
The competition was open to our gold and silver fleet sailors who
by and large vary in age from ten to fifteen years. Five
teams (with four sailors on each team) were formed and in
the end it was team ‘Iron Ore’ that were out right winners
(Douglas Elmes, James Spillane, Lucy Donworth & James McCann).
by and large vary in age from ten to fifteen years. Five
teams (with four sailors on each team) were formed and in
the end it was team ‘Iron Ore’ that were out right winners
(Douglas Elmes, James Spillane, Lucy Donworth & James McCann).
Lisheen Mine facilitated the league by very kindly sponsoring
a magnificent perpetual team trophy which was especially
commissioned for the event. Special thanks also to club member
and UCC student, Robin O’Mahony, along with fellow UCC
students, Peter Bermingham and Ian McDonald who briefed,
umpired and debriefed the sailors around the rules of team racing.
Their time competing with UCC sailing club was invaluable in
imparting the required skills.
a magnificent perpetual team trophy which was especially
commissioned for the event. Special thanks also to club member
and UCC student, Robin O’Mahony, along with fellow UCC
students, Peter Bermingham and Ian McDonald who briefed,
umpired and debriefed the sailors around the rules of team racing.
Their time competing with UCC sailing club was invaluable in
imparting the required skills.
Linda O Keeffe
Optimist Class Captain
