The first of IODAI regattas of the year took place at Strangford Lough Yacht Club over the weekend. Over 120 competitors from across the country took part in the main and regatta fleets. We had 15 junior sailors, fresh from spring training, ready to put their new skills into practice and take part. A lot of fun was had (we won’t talk about the party boat) and some great results as well.

Strangford Lough Yacht Club is set in an idyllic location on Strangford Lough about two and half hours from Howth. The club were fantastic hosts, keeping everyone well fed with tea and scones, and serving sausage baps to the sailors after a great day on the water. Most of the sailors travelled on the Friday and for the first time we were also able to bring our own coaches - Sorcha and Andrew - and RIBs to the event. It made such a difference to the sailors and we are looking to repeat the practice in the upcoming regattas. Sorcha and Andrew (as well as Cillian, Ciara, Charlie and Matthew) have been training the sailors over the winter and spring with great progress being made in just a few months.  

In the Regatta Coaching fleet we had Paula and Eoin with Eoin taking away the “Most Improved Sailor” award. Will and Heidi took part in the Regatta Racing Fleet with Will placing 4th and Heidi in 6th. Willow, Lily, and Siún joined the Junior Fleet for the first time and did amazingly well finishing 15th, 18th, and 22nd respectively. Also, congratulations to Rory who finished 7th (3rd in Bronze), Max in 11th and Áine in 12th in what was a very competitive fleet. Then in Senior Main, we had Elin, Daniel, Sophia who was 2nd in the Bronze, Samuel was 3rd in Bronze, and Christine 4th in Bronze. Congrats to all in Senior Main. 

 

Every HYC sailor gave it their all, learned a huge amount, and represented the club brilliantly. We couldn’t be prouder. A massive thank you to the coaches, parents, and the fantastic teams at Strangford Lough Yacht Club and IODAI for hosting such a superb event. The next event is the Munster Championships on the 13th and 14th June. The event is being hosted by the Waterford Harbour Sailing Club and we already have lots of our junior sailors signed up for the regatta. If you are interested in travelling with the junior team get in touch via the HYC Optimists WhatApps group and we can help get you there. Also, HYC is hosting the Leinsters on the 18th and 19th July so come join us.