With the uncertainty of event restrictions and requirements, the International Optimist Dinghy Association of Ireland (IODAI) and Howth Yacht Club have jointly decided to limit numbers competing in the postponed Leinster Championships to 80 main-fleet boats.
Expressions of interest for the event on the weekend of 3-4 July are now open for main fleet sailors until next Friday 28 May, with regatta fleet entry opening at a later date. Entries will be on invitation from the expression of interest on a first come, first served basis.
Interest will also be sought from main fleet sailors for July’s Connaught Championships from 8pm next Friday, with regatta fleet entry to be confirmed.
When IODAI and HYC have more clarity on event restrictions and requirements, the number of competitors for both of these events may increase.
The latest news updates a shifting calendar for the 2021 Optimist season, which already saw the cancellation of the trials event originally scheduled for earlier this month at the Royal St George Yacht Club.
In its place, the Dun Laoghaire waterfront club has a green to host an Optimist event on the weekend of 4-5 September
The IODAI is also in the process of planning the ‘Spirit of Baltimore’ event which will take place over the October mid-term, hosted by Malahide Yacht Club, with details to follow.
The current 2021 Optimist calendar looks like this:
- Leinster Championships - Howth Yacht Club, 3/4 July
- Connaught Championships - Lough Ree YC, 17/18 July
- Irish National Championship - Lough Derg YC, 19/20/21/22 August
- Optimist Event - RStGYC, 4/5 September
- Ulster Championships - East Antrim Boat Club, September (TBC)
- Munster Championships - Late September/ Early October (TBC)
- Spirit of Baltimore incorporating Crosbie Cup - Malahide YC, 27-31 October
