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Displaying items by tag: Coastal Rowing

‘All In A Row Charity Liffey Challenge 2023’ is coming to the capital’s River Liffey on Saturday, 2nd December, with a challenge for rowing teams to smash a 1,000km target in eight hours.

22 rowing clubs will row the challenge in skiffs, dragon boats, celtic longboats, kayaks, canoes and currachs to raise funds for RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

The organisers are hoping to exceed last year’s target of rowing 1,000km during the event on the river, which will start from St. Patrick’s Rowing Club at the Tom Clarke Bridge (formerly the East Link Bridge) and turn at the Ha’penny Bridge, rowing back down river to St. Patrick’s Rowing Club. The challenge is being undertaken with the aim of showcasing the River Liffey as one of Dublin’s best amenities while raising funds for water-related charities, RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

The event raised €22,000 in 2022.

The event will start at 8.30 am on Saturday 2nd December, and at 1 pm, all boats will gather on the Liffey at the Sean O’Casey footbridge. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place to commemorate all those who have lost their lives through drowning.

Many Dublin rowing clubs have their home on the River Liffey and are a regular sight on the water. At the port end of the river is St. Patrick’s Rowing Club, Stella Maris Rowing Club, East Wall Water Sports Group and Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club. Ringsend Basin is home to the Plurabelle Paddlers (dragon boats) and the Dublin Viking Dragon boats. At the other end of the city beyond Heuston Station, there are many river rowing and kayaking clubs, including Phoenix Rowing Club. Rowing clubs from other parts of Ireland will join in this challenge to raise funds for RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

Competitors are asked to raise sponsorship for the event, and also for spectators and supporters, there is an idonate page for donations here 

Published in Coastal Rowing
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Sunday's World Coastal Rowing Championships in Italy saw Ireland bagging a commendable medal haul.

In a standout weekend, Ireland is coming home with four medals and three World Coastal Rowing Champions.

Monika Dukarska who rows for Killorlin Rowing Club, won the women's solo event at the World Coastal Rowing ChampionshipsMonika Dukarska who rows for Killorlin Rowing Club, won the women's solo event at the World Coastal Rowing Championships

Monika Dukarska from County Kerry, who rows for Killorlin Rowing Club, won the women's solo event and also secured a massive victory in the mixed double category, alongside Ronan Byrne.

Adrian Miramon Quiroga from Wicklow Rowing Club is the Coastal Men's Solo World ChampionAdrian Miramon Quiroga from Wicklow Rowing Club is the Coastal Men's Solo World Champion

Furthermore, the men's solo saw a gold medal being awarded to Adrian Miramon Quiroga from Wicklow Rowing Club, and the women's coxed quadruple team from Ireland managed to clinch a bronze medal.

A bronze medal for Ireland in the women's coxed quadruple category at the World Rowing Coastal Championships in ItalyA bronze medal for Ireland in the women's coxed quadruple category at the World Rowing Coastal Championships in Italy

Published in Coastal Rowing
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A new coastal rowing boat named after St Laurence was blessed in Ringsend, Dublin, today for the Stella Maris Rowing Club.

The St Laurence II has been sponsored by Dublin Port Company, and is named after the original St Laurence, which was built, owned and competed in by Dublin Port workers in the 1950s.

Dublin Port Company says it represents yet another investment by it in promoting the sport of rowing in Dublin.

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell alongside Alicia Weafer, Trudi Pepper, Emma Gannon and Niamh Kane of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team, who take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company.Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell alongside Alicia Weafer, Trudi Pepper, Emma Gannon and Niamh Kane of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team, who take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell alongside Alicia Weafer, Trudi Pepper, Emma Gannon and Niamh Kane of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team, who take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company.

It will also provide Stella Maris Rowing Club's dedicated members – ranging from aged ten onwards - with state-of-the-art equipment that will enhance their training and capabilities, the port company says.

(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II, sponsored by Dublin Port Company. Photo Tommy Dickson(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II Photo Tommy Dickson

“This continued and long-standing partnership comes as part of Dublin Port Company’s wider plans for a new maritime village,”it says

The village is part of its 3FM development project, and will involve a “modern sailing and rowing campus” for sailing and rowing clubs, sea scouts, the Nautical Trust and local boat owners.

The 3FM project is the port’s masterplan for 2040, and is focused on port lands on the Poolbeg peninsula, on the south side of the bay.

Dublin Port Company continues its support of Stella Maris Rowing Club with the sponsorship of the new skiffDublin Port Company continues its support of Stella Maris Rowing Club with the sponsorship of the new skiff (above and below Photos: Tommy DicksonDublin Port Company continues its support of Stella Maris Rowing Club with the sponsorship of the new skiff (above and below Photos: Tommy Dickson

The port says the village “has been developed in consultation with local groups and will replace the current much smaller facilities as well as improving opportunities to view port activities from the new waterside public plaza area”.

The new boat was blessed today by Father Ivan Tonge during a ceremony held at the Ringsend Club’s home on the Pigeon House Road in Dublin.

Founded in 1937, Stella Maris is one of Dublin's oldest and most respected rowing clubs, with levels from junior right up to senior.

The club recently won a Dublin South Central Garda Youth Award, which is awarded to young people who have contributed positively to their communities.

Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: “We are honoured to offer our continued support to Stella Maris Rowing Club. The values Stella embodies, such as teamwork, dedication and perseverance, align perfectly with our own ethos at Dublin Port Company."

(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II(Left to Right) Coach Louise Kane with Niamh Kane, Emma Gannon, Trudi Pepper and Alicia Weafer of the Stella Maris Rowing Club’s Under-16 Girls Team take to the water on their new coastal rowing boat, the St Laurence II Photo: Tommy Dickson

"This commitment ties in with our wider community initiatives to come under the 3FM Project, which will see a new maritime village providing enhanced facilities for a range of users, including sailing and rowing clubs.”

Dublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell (far right) with members of Stella Maris Rowing Club at the blessing of their new coastal rowing boatDublin Port Company CEO Barry O’Connell (far right) with members of Stella Maris Rowing Club at the blessing of their new coastal rowing boat Photo: Tommy Dickson

Pat Kane, Chairman, Stella Maris Rowing Club, said: “Dublin Port has long been a friend to Stella Maris, and we would like to thank them for their continued support. The original St Laurence served the club well for over 30 years and, thanks to Dublin Port, the St Laurence II will inspire and enable the next generation of rowers.”

Published in River Liffey

A team of novice rowers from Holyhead Sailing Club recently undertook an incredible feat to raise awareness for mental health. On Tuesday, August 15th, the team set off from Holyhead at 7 am, rowing to the Royal St George YC in Dun Laoghaire Harbour Dun Laoghaire Harbour and back again, a journey of almost 30 hours.

The team, consisting of five teams of five, swapped out every hour to ensure they could continue the gruelling journey. They arrived in Dun Laoghaire just before midnight and hoisted their flag on the RStGYC flagpole before setting off on the return leg.

Their efforts did not go unnoticed, as the RStGYC proudly flew the Row4gaz flag to support their mission. The team safely returned to Holyhead Sailing Club at 12:30 pm the following day, having completed their impressive journey.

The team of novice row4gaz rowers from Holyhead Sailing Club close in on Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Dublin Bay The team of novice row4gaz rowers from Holyhead Sailing Club close in on Dun Laoghaire Harbour on Dublin Bay 

The team's goal was to raise awareness for mental health, and they succeeded in their mission. The RSGYC was delighted to support their cause, and the team's efforts are sure to inspire others to take action for mental health awareness.

To learn more about this incredible journey and the cause they were supporting, visit Row4gaz.com.

Published in Coastal Rowing
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Stella Maris Rowing Club succeeded at its 2023 regatta, winning eight out of 16 races.

Fair rowing weather, good spirits, healthy rivalries, and races running efficiently and on time all made for a wonderful East Coast Regatta enjoyed by a wide range of coastal rowing clubs. 

Building on the success of 2022's first post-pandemic regatta on the River Liffey at Poolbeg Marina, the regatta has been widely praised by the east coast coastal rowing community not necessarily for the on-water success enjoyed by the host club but more for all the other elements that made for a great day out on the capital's waters in Dublin Port.

"Amazing results at today’s regatta @stellamarisrowingclub, a tough ole jaunt down the river. Well done to all crews & all who came & supported", Dalkey Rowing Club posted on social media.

This was the second coastal rowing regatta to take place on the East Coast circuit this year but the first on the Liffey.

Ten clubs from along the East Coast from Balbriggan to Arklow took part bringing over 120 crews onto the water throughout the day.

While Stella Maris may have been the big winners over the day there were great performances from all the East Coast Clubs, with nearly every club in attendance represented on the overall Medal table. 

Attention turns to Dalkey Rowing Club Regatta on the south side of Dublin Bay next Saturday (June 17th) for the next regatta of the East Coast Rowing Council.

Stella Maris Rowing Club enjoyed success at its own 2023 regattaStella Maris Rowing Club enjoyed success at its own 2023 regatta

Published in River Liffey

Dalkey Rowing Club (DRC) hosts its first regatta on Saturday (June 17th) since 2019 due to the pandemic and bad weather last year. 

The coastal rowers are marking their 90th year, so there's an added buzz and excitement in the air and on the water!

The racing is based at Otranto Park in Sandycove Park, with racing in Scotsman's Bay.

The first race is at 9.00 am sharp (cox meeting at 8.30 am). The novice men go first, and the regatta schedule is below.

Dublin Bay live webcams x 3 here may provide a glimpse of the rowing action

Dalkey Rowing Club 2023 Regatta Schedule

  • Novice men
  • Mixed
  • Senior Women
  • U18 boys
  • Inter Men
  • Junior Women
  • Inter Women
  • Vets
  • Novice Women

Dalkey Rowing Club 2023 Regatta Schedule

Published in Coastal Rowing

Royal Cork Yacht Club was the centre of attention on Saturday as rowing craft of all kinds were launched in glorious sunshine in anticipation of the weekend's centrepiece event, An Rás Mór, Cork harbour’s Ocean to City race.

The coastal rowing event organised by the traditional boat group Meitheal Mara returned to the water this weekend after a break of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The multi-craft rowing and paddling race has attracted a fleet of over 200 boats.

Crosshaven is the official start venue of the main fleet in the Ocean to City Race 2023Crosshaven is the official start venue of the main fleet in the Ocean to City Race 2023

Now in its 18th year, the all-inclusive rowing event welcomes traditional wooden working boats, gigs, skiffs, sloops, lifeboats, longboats, cutters and currachs, kayaks, canoes, ocean sliding-seat boats and stand-up paddleboards as depicted in Bob Bateman's photo gallery below.

Billed as Ireland's largest long-distance rowing and paddling race, Ocean to City has four-course distances to choose from across the 28 km course - as in two, seven, 12 and 15 nautical miles, all finishing in Cork city centre.

Ocean to City Rowing Race in Cork Harbour 2023 Photo Gallery

Published in Cork Harbour

Dalkey Rowing Club will host a blessing of its new boat, ‘Bláth na Farraige’, on Saturday, 1 April, at 3 pm at The Club Pub in Dalkey Village, Co. Dublin.

The new wooden clinker hull for the coastal rowing club on Dublin Bay was built by W.C. Hunkin and Sons boat builders with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media through the Capital Sports programme.

Published in Coastal Rowing

Inver Colpa Coastal Rowing Club & SK Fitness hosted a 12 Hour Charity Skipathon and Bikeathon in Scotch Hall Shopping Centre in December to raise much-needed funds for the Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service.

The skippers and bikers who participated presented a cheque for €1,900 to the Drogheda-based rescue organisation.

The Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service comprises 30 volunteers on call 24 hours, 365 days a year. Volunteers are alerted through a VHF-based paging system.

Published in Coastal Rowing
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Inver Colpa Coastal Rowing Club attended this summer's Islandmagee Challenge.

The men’s senior team set off early morning to make the journey to Whitehead, Co. Antrim, located on the picturesque coastline between Belfast and Larne. The race course was originally set to start in Brownes Bay and follow the Islandmagee peninsula south to finish in the town of Whitehead. The wind was stronger than hoped for so the course was changed at the 11th hour on the grounds of health & safety, and the start and finish line were set for Whitehead itself. Despite the so called strong wind, conditions were excellent, with no rain and a relatively calm sea.

The men’s team was made up of Darragh Farrell, Andrew Cassidy, Andy Grennan and James McKevitt, with Glenda Murphy the Coxswain and the team's spiritual leader. There were thirteen boats in the race, split between two categories; traditional skiffs and all-Ireland one-design yawls. The Inver Colpa boat took off to a great start, with the four lads using their imposing strength to get out ahead of the other boats from the off. From that point on it was down to tactical coxing from Glenda and the fitness of the crew to hold the lead. Despite the surrounding beauty of the cliffs, birdlife and lighthouse, all focus was on winning the race. Having trained all summer, and following the disappointment of the Row around Rockabill Race the previous month, the four men put in a herculean effort to lead the race from start to finish. They left everything out there, Andy Grennan in particular. Inver Colpa clocked the fastest time in their category, but also the fastest time overall.

Whitehead is a beautiful town, a traditional holiday destination dating from Victorian times, with pretty seafront houses and a promenade. All involved in the event were invited back to the yacht club for food and drink. Although the team are all finely tuned athletes they relaxed and enjoyed all that the yacht club bar had to offer, well earned after the day’s endeavours. Following a minute’s silence to acknowledge Queen Elizabeth’s recent death, the winners medals were presented. Inver Colpa received the trophy, an engraved decanter. The trip home to Drogheda was long but the spirits were high.

The club look forward to returning to compete in the Islandmagee Challenge again next year and defend their title. All going to plan the club plans to enter two boats in 2023 with both men’s and women’s teams. Inver Colpa extend their sincere thanks to Whitehead Rowing Club for all their hospitality and a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Published in Coastal Rowing
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Irish Olympic Sailing Team

Ireland has a proud representation in sailing at the Olympics dating back to 1948. Today there is a modern governing structure surrounding the selection of sailors the Olympic Regatta

Irish Olympic Sailing FAQs

Ireland’s representation in sailing at the Olympics dates back to 1948, when a team consisting of Jimmy Mooney (Firefly), Alf Delany and Hugh Allen (Swallow) competed in that year’s Summer Games in London (sailing off Torquay). Except for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Ireland has sent at least one sailor to every Summer Games since then.

  • 1948 – London (Torquay) — Firefly: Jimmy Mooney; Swallow: Alf Delany, Hugh Allen
  • 1952 – Helsinki — Finn: Alf Delany * 1956 – Melbourne — Finn: J Somers Payne
  • 1960 – Rome — Flying Dutchman: Johnny Hooper, Peter Gray; Dragon: Jimmy Mooney, David Ryder, Robin Benson; Finn: J Somers Payne
  • 1964 – Tokyo — Dragon: Eddie Kelliher, Harry Maguire, Rob Dalton; Finn: Johnny Hooper 
  • 1972 – Munich (Kiel) — Tempest: David Wilkins, Sean Whitaker; Dragon: Robin Hennessy, Harry Byrne, Owen Delany; Finn: Kevin McLaverty; Flying Dutchman: Harold Cudmore, Richard O’Shea
  • 1976 – Montreal (Kingston) — 470: Robert Dix, Peter Dix; Flying Dutchman: Barry O’Neill, Jamie Wilkinson; Tempest: David Wilkins, Derek Jago
  • 1980 – Moscow (Tallinn) — Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Jamie Wilkinson (Silver medalists) * 1984 – Los Angeles — Finn: Bill O’Hara
  • 1988 – Seoul (Pusan) — Finn: Bill O’Hara; Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Peter Kennedy; 470 (Women): Cathy MacAleavy, Aisling Byrne
  • 1992 – Barcelona — Europe: Denise Lyttle; Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Peter Kennedy; Star: Mark Mansfield, Tom McWilliam
  • 1996 – Atlanta (Savannah) — Laser: Mark Lyttle; Europe: Aisling Bowman (Byrne); Finn: John Driscoll; Star: Mark Mansfield, David Burrows; 470 (Women): Denise Lyttle, Louise Cole; Soling: Marshall King, Dan O’Grady, Garrett Connolly
  • 2000 – Sydney — Europe: Maria Coleman; Finn: David Burrows; Star: Mark Mansfield, David O'Brien
  • 2004 – Athens — Europe: Maria Coleman; Finn: David Burrows; Star: Mark Mansfield, Killian Collins; 49er: Tom Fitzpatrick, Fraser Brown; 470: Gerald Owens, Ross Killian; Laser: Rory Fitzpatrick
  • 2008 – Beijing (Qingdao) — Star: Peter O’Leary, Stephen Milne; Finn: Tim Goodbody; Laser Radial: Ciara Peelo; 470: Gerald Owens, Phil Lawton
  • 2012 – London (Weymouth) — Star: Peter O’Leary, David Burrows; 49er: Ryan Seaton, Matt McGovern; Laser Radial: Annalise Murphy; Laser: James Espey; 470: Gerald Owens, Scott Flanigan
  • 2016 – Rio — Laser Radial (Women): Annalise Murphy (Silver medalist); 49er: Ryan Seaton, Matt McGovern; 49erFX: Andrea Brewster, Saskia Tidey; Laser: Finn Lynch; Paralympic Sonar: John Twomey, Ian Costello & Austin O’Carroll

Ireland has won two Olympics medals in sailing events, both silver: David Wilkins, Jamie Wilkinson in the Flying Dutchman at Moscow 1980, and Annalise Murphy in the Laser Radial at Rio 2016.

The current team, as of December 2020, consists of Laser sailors Finn Lynch, Liam Glynn and Ewan McMahon, 49er pairs Ryan Seaton and Seafra Guilfoyle, and Sean Waddilove and Robert Dickson, as well as Laser Radial sailors Annalise Murphy and Aoife Hopkins.

Irish Sailing is the National Governing Body for sailing in Ireland.

Irish Sailing’s Performance division is responsible for selecting and nurturing Olympic contenders as part of its Performance Pathway.

The Performance Pathway is Irish Sailing’s Olympic talent pipeline. The Performance Pathway counts over 70 sailors from 11 years up in its programme.The Performance Pathway is made up of Junior, Youth, Academy, Development and Olympic squads. It provides young, talented and ambitious Irish sailors with opportunities to move up through the ranks from an early age. With up to 100 young athletes training with the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway, every aspect of their performance is planned and closely monitored while strong relationships are simultaneously built with the sailors and their families

Rory Fitzpatrick is the head coach of Irish Sailing Performance. He is a graduate of University College Dublin and was an Athens 2004 Olympian in the Laser class.

The Performance Director of Irish Sailing is James O’Callaghan. Since 2006 James has been responsible for the development and delivery of athlete-focused, coach-led, performance-measured programmes across the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway. A Business & Economics graduate of Trinity College Dublin, he is a Level 3 Qualified Coach and Level 2 Coach Tutor. He has coached at five Olympic Games and numerous European and World Championship events across multiple Olympic classes. He is also a member of the Irish Sailing Foundation board.

Annalise Murphy is by far and away the biggest Irish sailing star. Her fourth in London 2012 when she came so agonisingly close to a bronze medal followed by her superb silver medal performance four years later at Rio won the hearts of Ireland. Murphy is aiming to go one better in Tokyo 2021. 

Under head coach Rory Fitzpatrick, the coaching staff consists of Laser Radial Academy coach Sean Evans, Olympic Laser coach Vasilij Zbogar and 49er team coach Matt McGovern.

The Irish Government provides funding to Irish Sailing. These funds are exclusively for the benefit of the Performance Pathway. However, this falls short of the amount required to fund the Performance Pathway in order to allow Ireland compete at the highest level. As a result the Performance Pathway programme currently receives around €850,000 per annum from Sport Ireland and €150,000 from sponsorship. A further €2 million per annum is needed to have a major impact at the highest level. The Irish Sailing Foundation was established to bridge the financial gap through securing philanthropic donations, corporate giving and sponsorship.

The vision of the Irish Sailing Foundation is to generate the required financial resources for Ireland to scale-up and execute its world-class sailing programme. Irish Sailing works tirelessly to promote sailing in Ireland and abroad and has been successful in securing funding of 1 million euro from Sport Ireland. However, to compete on a par with other nations, a further €2 million is required annually to realise the ambitions of our talented sailors. For this reason, the Irish Sailing Foundation was formed to seek philanthropic donations. Led by a Board of Directors and Head of Development Kathryn Grace, the foundation lads a campaign to bridge the financial gap to provide the Performance Pathway with the funds necessary to increase coaching hours, upgrade equipment and provide world class sport science support to a greater number of high-potential Irish sailors.

The Senior and Academy teams of the Performance Pathway are supported with the provision of a coach, vehicle, coach boat and boats. Even with this level of subsidy there is still a large financial burden on individual families due to travel costs, entry fees and accommodation. There are often compromises made on the amount of days a coach can be hired for and on many occasions it is necessary to opt out of major competitions outside Europe due to cost. Money raised by the Irish Sailing Foundation will go towards increased quality coaching time, world-class equipment, and subsiding entry fees and travel-related costs. It also goes towards broadening the base of talented sailors that can consider campaigning by removing financial hurdles, and the Performance HQ in Dublin to increase efficiency and reduce logistical issues.

The ethos of the Performance Pathway is progression. At each stage international performance benchmarks are utilised to ensure the sailors are meeting expectations set. The size of a sailor will generally dictate which boat they sail. The classes selected on the pathway have been identified as the best feeder classes for progression. Currently the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway consists of the following groups: * Pathway (U15) Optimist and Topper * Youth Academy (U19) Laser 4.7, Laser Radial and 420 * Development Academy (U23) Laser, Laser Radial, 49er, 49erFX * Team IRL (direct-funded athletes) Laser, Laser Radial, 49er, 49erFX

The Irish Sailing performance director produces a detailed annual budget for the programme which is presented to Sport Ireland, Irish Sailing and the Foundation for detailed discussion and analysis of the programme, where each item of expenditure is reviewed and approved. Each year, the performance director drafts a Performance Plan and Budget designed to meet the objectives of Irish Performance Sailing based on an annual review of the Pathway Programmes from Junior to Olympic level. The plan is then presented to the Olympic Steering Group (OSG) where it is independently assessed and the budget is agreed. The OSG closely monitors the delivery of the plan ensuring it meets the agreed strategy, is within budget and in line with operational plans. The performance director communicates on an ongoing basis with the OSG throughout the year, reporting formally on a quarterly basis.

Due to the specialised nature of Performance Sport, Irish Sailing established an expert sub-committee which is referred to as the Olympic Steering Group (OSG). The OSG is chaired by Patrick Coveney and its objective is centred around winning Olympic medals so it oversees the delivery of the Irish Sailing’s Performance plan.

At Junior level (U15) sailors learn not only to be a sailor but also an athlete. They develop the discipline required to keep a training log while undertaking fitness programmes, attending coaching sessions and travelling to competitions. During the winter Regional Squads take place and then in spring the National Squads are selected for Summer Competitions. As sailors move into Youth level (U19) there is an exhaustive selection matrix used when considering a sailor for entry into the Performance Academy. Completion of club training programmes, attendance at the performance seminars, physical suitability and also progress at Junior and Youth competitions are assessed and reviewed. Once invited in to the Performance Academy, sailors are given a six-month trial before a final decision is made on their selection. Sailors in the Academy are very closely monitored and engage in a very well planned out sailing, training and competition programme. There are also defined international benchmarks which these sailors are required to meet by a certain age. Biannual reviews are conducted transparently with the sailors so they know exactly where they are performing well and they are made aware of where they may need to improve before the next review.

©Afloat 2020