The 2020 Irish Sailing Youth National Championships that was originally scheduled for April 2020 in Howth Yacht Club will not now be held. Irish Sailing has been working closely with stakeholders to find an alternative date for the expected 200 young sailors and their families. However, it became clear it would be too difficult to implement pandemic guidelines with an event this size, and the decision has been taken to cancel the event for 2020.
The annual Irish Sailing Youth National Championships were started first as a means for Irish Sailing coaches to spot burgeoning young talent, and pick members for the Performance Pathway Teams and further coaching. The event has now grown in size and purpose to be Ireland’s largest youth regatta. This was the first year that the 29er class were invited to take part. The growing class reflects the interest young Irish sailors have in this particular boat.
Irish Sailing Academy Coach and lead organiser of the event Sean Evans said “we’ve worked really hard with all the stakeholders involved to find a new date for the Youth Nationals. We didn’t take the decision to cancel lightly and we’re really disappointed not to go ahead. But the health and safety of our sailors remains our number one priority and we’re already planning the event for Easter 2021”.
The 2021 Irish Sailing Youth Nationals is scheduled for 8-11 April next year with the venue yet to be confirmed.
