Irish laser sailors on tour

by Irish Sailing Association on 9 May 2015 It has been just over three weeks since the bcademy 2015 left Irish shores to the continent with seven young laser sailors on transition year. Life skills are now starting to be understood and the sailors are progressing whilst having the time of their life.

The initial week was a series of a training session in the St Brieuc bay with the pole goelo local squad. The sailors stayed in French families with the local sailors developing friendships. The sessions afloat were excellent making the most of the 14 boats group. Two days of big breezes, one medium day and two light wind sessions were complemented by many sessions on the bikes (hilly country!).

We then drove to Crozon, west Brittany for three days training followed by an Atlantic cup inter-region two-day event. We worked alongside a Brittany squad clinic allowing a few practice races with 30 boats. The event started very well with three medium wind races but, unfortunately, the wind played hide and seek on Sunday and off course came to a lovely steady 10kts as soon as the time limit for racing was reached. Eoghan O Regan from RCYC was our best finisher in laser 4.7 in 15th overall in the 45 boats fleet. Patrick Doyle from the NYC was our best radial in 26th well inside first half. Their coach Thomas Chaix raced as well and won the std fleet with three bullets.

The long drive north drove the team to Neuport, Belgium for a Europa cup. Three days of cycling and training afloat prepared the sailors to the three days event that is concluded in big breezes... It was a great eye opener for the sailors in what international racing means...

The second part of the program will bring us to the French Mecca of sailing in Hyeres where we will race at the French open nationals and conclude our program with an enduro cycling race.