RSGYC had 40 sailors representing the club at the Oppi Nationals. The event was held at RCYC who hosted over 170 sailors in glorious sunny conditions; the kids enjoyed as much fun off the water as they had on the water with football, swimming, and other activities each evening while parents enjoyed some well deserved refreshments.
On the water racing was challenging, with shifty conditions and a variety of wind strengths testing both the RC and sailors’ resilience throughout the week. Maeve Donagh claimed the senior national title with an 11 point lead over the next competitor, and Rian Foy Joyce was 3rd Irish Junior overall. Zoe Russell and Lauren Hoban recorded PB’s in junior fleet race 4 with a 1, 2 finish that was warmly received with a round of applause from support boats as they crossed the line.
In Regatta Racing Elsie Craig, Michael McAllister, and Avice Foley put in a massive effort with a string of top 15 results between them.
In Regatta Coached Matthew Arthurs was 1st after a close battle with the next competitor. Harriet MacAllister, Rowan Crinion and Theo Lawton also participated in their first National Championship – a huge achievement for any budding young sailor.
This was the last Oppi event for some of our senior sailors before they move to other classes. They marked the occasion with their friends by capsizing in the warm water after the last race, and were also celebrated at prizegiving. These sailors have been fantastic role modes, we wish them the best of luck and look forward to seeing them shake up the ILCA and 29er fleets soon! Graduating sailors: Maeve Donagh, Emily Donagh, Holly Cantwell, Phillipa Arthurs, Ruairi Slattery, Felix Crinion, Stephanie Rock, Zoe O’Hare
Huge thank you to our team of coaches led by Peter McCann, and all the parents who helped make this a memorable event.
