The first IUSA team racing event of the 17/18 season took place this weekend (14th - 15th of October) in Wexford. ‘Irish University Sailing Associations Easterns,’ was held in Wexford Harbour Boat and Tennis Club, and run very successfully by University College Dublin (UCD). Over 150 sailors, representing nine colleges competed this weekend. Seven teams raced in the gold fleet, ten in silver and nine in bronze. With favourable weather conditions of 12-15 knots and an ample sailing area, a total of 85 races took place on Saturday. The racing continued on to Sunday, finishing up with rounds of quarter, semi and finals. All of which, Trinity took the lead in.
Trinity remain on top as they earned the winning titles in each of the three fleets. Trinity firsts were challenged by University College Cork’s (UCC) first team in the final on Sunday. Trinity worked hard to win 3 out of the 4 races. Trinity firsts were represented by Mark Bolger, Ruairi Finnegan, Conor O’Beirne, Isabelle Deladiennee, Kate O’Reilly and Charlotte Bowen. Trinity seconds took victory in the silver fleet represented by Caitlin Waters, Sandy Aplin, Douglas Elmes, Sophie Whelton, Maeve Lavelle and Susannah Mollen. Trinity sixths earned the win in bronze fleet, represented by Aonghus Byrne, Alex Walsh, Conor Twohig, Camila Kelly, Grainne Young and Meg Tyrrell. All teams were challenged throughout the competition from stiff competition in the form of UCCs 5 teams that sailed well throughout.
Trinity’s long line of results continues having won varsities in Clifden in March of last year. Trinity lost many star sailors at the end of last year and the results from this weekend display the strength and depth that has been built up over the last couple of years. Despite the lack of fully functioning boats to train in Trinity have played the cards they have been dealt and found alternative ways to practice with events such as the Dun Laoghaire Team Racing League which was set up by Trinity at the end of September with support from the Royal St George Yacht club. Securing sponsorship for new boats, to help maintain the standard is the college teams highest priority at the moment.
