Optimist Irish National Championships, Lough Derg

Tom Mallindine (British Steel), fresh from victories at the British and Belgian nationals the previous weeks, opened his account with a race win in race one with James Murdock, Oliver Dix, Ben Saxton and Maria Stanley all finishing in the top ten. For race two, the breeze had reduced to the usual F1-2, and Mallindine again led the British field with a 3^rd ahead of Tim Saxton and Christina King. William Atkinson from the home club and fresh from his Mirror Worlds win at Howth the week before took first. A third race was held on the opening day, which saw all the competitors at the heavily starboard biased end. After a clean start, Lisa Tait, was leading at the weather mark. Shifts and dying breeze led to inevitable place swapping and at the finish the Irish boat of Ian Croxon claimed first. Each evening when the sailors returned to base, a hot meal was waiting and evening entertainment – all included in the entry fee! Parents had the opportunity to try the local brew and food, which, as usual in Ireland, was excellent. The following day the fleet were towed out and then back again as the wind had not materialised. Eventually they re-launched at 2pm and two further races were held which saw Mallindine and Dix steadily consolidating their positions and impressive sailing from the young 11 year twins, Ben and Tim Saxton from Grafham. The large British fleet was fortunate this year in being supported by IOCA (UK) coaches Peter Martin and Gemma Suggitt who held pre and post race briefings and gave individual support on the water between races.

On Saturday, the juniors started their event in flights, which included the 9 year olds - Hermione Stanley and Sophie McKeeman from Bowmoor. Both girls mastered the light conditions to earn themselves places in the Gold fleet and went on to finish their first overseas regatta with very respectable results. The main fleet stayed ashore until 3.30pm and were then towed out. One race was attempted and abandoned after 30 minutes as the initial wind disappeared completely - more time to get ready for the cinema trip to see Planet of the Apes which had been organised for the older sailors! The final day started with fog but the sun broke through and a light northerly breeze followed. After a false start and with the threat of the Black flag and jury boat motoring down the line, the sailors got away to a clean start in another drifter! Christina King lead at the weather mark after "looking for wind" and held on for a good win ahead of Claire Lasko, James Murdock and Tom Mallindine. Imogen Stanley had her best result of the series with a 16^th! Another great Irish event, shame there wasn’t more wind but the hospitality was warm and generous and more than made up for it! Make a note to do it next year.

1^st Tom Mallindine, British Steel; 2^nd Ian Croxon, RStGYC; 3^rd William Atkinson, LDYC;

4^th Olver Dix, HISC; 5^th Conor Byrne, RStGYC; 6^th Lisa Tait, RCYC.