The Optimist Leinsters are fast approaching! This weekend, Optimist sailors are set to take over the hard stand, and then the water. HYC last hosted the Optimist Leinsters in 2021, and it’s been two years since we welcomed IODAI for the 2024 Optimist Nationals. Safe to say, we’re thrilled to have them back in the club.

This is a huge event by any measure, and it being a youth sailing one makes it all the more exciting. There are 46 Senior Fleet sailors, 50 Junior Fleet sailors, 23 Regatta Racing and 35 Regatta Coached sailors, bringing the total to 154 boats on the water. Add in parents, coaches, chaperones and supporters, and there are plenty of people to keep track of. Thankfully, alongside the coaching teams, around 60 volunteers will be helping both on and off the water to keep everything running smoothly.

The scale of the event is reflected in the fleet of support boats too, with 40 RIBs expected on the water throughout the weekend.

The Race Management team is led by International Race Officer David Lovegrove, while Ronan McDonnell heads up the Regatta Fleet. Between them, they have a team of 15 people manning the committee boat, pin end and finish line. The main race course will host the Optimist Senior and Junior Fleets, while Ronan and his team will oversee the Regatta Fleet, where many of Ireland’s future Olympians take their first steps into competitive racing.

With plenty happening both on and off the water, it’s well worth familiarising yourself with the event schedule. The full schedule is available here, and we’ll also be sharing key timings on our social media channels throughout the week. Please pay particular attention to race briefings and launch times. IODAI’s very own junior reporter, Molly, will be conducting interviews throughout the weekend, so keep an eye out for the future RTÉ star in the making.

For family supporters, the Silver Buoy on the hard stand will be serving tea, coffee and pastries from 08:30 on both Saturday and Sunday. Our regular clubhouse dining options will also be available, you can check out our menus here.

We’re looking forward to extending a warm HYC welcome to sailors from clubs around the country. Best of luck to everyone competing, and we hope all competitors, families and volunteers enjoy a fantastic weekend of racing.

A big thank you to our sponsors; RBC Brewin Dolphin, Fingal County Council, Provident CRM, Now Coco, Broderick Brothers and Lalors Occasional Cards.