16-year old Howth Yacht Club Sailor Aoife Hopkins is currently sailing in the The Delta Lloyd regatta in Medemblik Holland. The Delta Lloyd is a high level Olympic class regatta and is a qualifier for the Worldcup event in Weymouth so the best of the best in the Womens Radial Class are attending.

Following the 4 races sailed over two days, Aoife is thrilled to have qualified for Gold Fleet. Simply doing the event as a learning experience, Aoife had no expectations heading into the event and would have been pleased to have finished with 20 boats behind her.

Exceeding her own expectations, Aoife currently lies in 40th position in the 82-strong fleet. Top 41 make Gold Fleet. Three other Irish Schoolgirls are also sailing in the regatta Nicole Hemeryck lies in 65th, Erica Ruigrok 75th, Aisling Keller 76th.

Annalise Murphy is leading Irish hopes in 2nd position and with strong winds forecast for the final day's 3 races, things are looking favourable for the National Yacht Club’s Olympian.

(Top photo: Sander Van Der Borch)