The new year dinghy clinic organised by the Tralee Bay Maritime Centre is now in its third year and 2019's edition was a success with 30 boats attending.
16 Optimists including national champion Justin Lucas and Dublin ace Sam Ledoux trained under the direction of French coach Viviane Chaix and former medallist at Optimist worlds Sophie Browne.
Former Academy sailors Darragh O ‘Sullivan and Cian Byrne managed the two Laser groups (10 sailors) while Clinic Manager and lead coach Thomas Chaix worked with the four 29er partnerships.
Four 29er partnerships were afloat in Tralee Bay
The week proved to be outstanding with many hours secured in the mild conditions and great winds ranging from 3 to 18kts. The focussed training with experienced coaches proved to be very efficient and sailors and parents alike were very pleased to have started their new year in Kerry.
16 Optimists including national champion Justin Lucas and Dublin ace Sam Ledoux trained under the direction of French coach Viviane Chaix
Peter Williams was the recipient of the Maritime Centre coaches award adding his name to the big cup.
The clinic concluded with the traditional regatta run under PY on a windward leeward course. The average lap approach allowed the fast 29er and the slower optimist to compete against each other.
Former Academy sailors Darragh O ‘Sullivan and Cian Byrne managed the two Laser groups (10 sailors)
Four races were completed in the 15-18 kts Southerly right in front of Fenit beach... Some of the races were very close with mere seconds separating sailors. Eventually, Adam Wash (Laser 4.7) managed to edge out Sam Ledoux and radial sailor Paddy Cunnane.
The new “battle of the classes” trophy was won by the laser 4.7 (Adam Walsh, Harry Pritchard and Stephen Cunnane) ahead of the Optimist (Sam Ledoux, Peter Williams and Killian Reidy). Download results below.
Laser and Optimist Dinghies are recovered in Fenit
