A mighty 40 sailors represented Royal Cork Yacht Club at this year's Irish Optimist National Championships, hosted by Lough Ree Yacht Club. Nearly 200 young sailors from Ireland, UK, France and Belgium came together for a thrilling week of racing, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

Lough Ree proved to be a spectacular venue. The host club ran a brilliant event, warmly welcoming sailors and their families – many of whom camped on-site and leaned into the generous hospitality offered throughout the week.

Among the 200 competitors, RCYC stood tall as the largest club in attendance. This remarkable turnout is a testament to our systems and support structures which empower our sailors to develop skills, build confidence and take on these challenging events. Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew of club members worked tirelessly to make it all happen.

Our travelling sailors were guided by an exceptional coaching panel – James Dwyer, Conor Horgan and Oísin Pierse – all RCYC alumni who've gone on to achieve international accolades. Their commitment and presence throughout the season have been instrumental in shaping the next generation.

International Race Officer and event PRO Nigel Biggs (HYC) and his team delivered an excellent eight-race series in tricky, lough-style conditions. Despite light winds cancelling racing on Day Two, the team remained professional and personable, offering competitors clear communication and meticulously planned event management.

With 40 sailors, it's impossible to capture every individual triumph – but rest assured, everyone gave their best and had a blast. A highlight on the off-day was a visit to Ireland's largest waterpark in Hudson Bay. Coaches loaded the ribs and ferried sailors across the lough from Co. West Meath to Co. Roscommon, where they competed with their GB counterparts to conquer the highest jump.

In the Senior Fleet, RCYC sailors held their own against competitors fresh from the World Championships. Amy Whyte (8th), Isaac Vaughan (9th), Tara Hayes (10th), Eoin Pierse (11th), Brendan Hughes (12th), Joe Kingston (1^st Silver / 13th), Jamie Blennerhassett (2^nd Silver / 16th) and Ethan Murphy (4^th Silver) all finished strongly, pushing hard to the very end. With 18 RCYC sailors in the Senior Fleet, every effort was celebrated.

In the Junior Fleet, Dylan O'Sullivan clinched the Irish Junior National title with a string of impressive finishes – 4^th, 1^st, and 2^nd on the final day – earning him the Irish and Open Championship title as top overall finisher. George Creighton followed closely in 4th (2nd Irish), Jack Ryan (16^th / 5^th Irish / 1^st Silver Fleet), Oran Collins (26^th / 3^rd Silver), Sadie Bruen (30^th) & Brody Hayes (36^th / 2^nd Bronze) Racing was intense, with 83 boats on the line, but our young sailors showed growing tactical maturity in the hot, light conditions.

It was especially heartening to see sailors who began the season in the club's Copper Fleet – Will McElligott, Luke O'Connell, James Nyhan, Cillian Fuohy and Ewan Twohig – graduate into the IODAI National Junior Fleet. John Keating, who only stepped up to Main Fleet in May, won Race 4, while Brody Hayes scored a 9^th in the same race. The cheers from fellow clubmates could be heard across the Lough as they crossed the line said it all and demonstrates the culture this group have developed.

In the Regatta Fleet, eight RCYC sailors – Nicholas Nyhan (5^th / 2^nd Irish), John Sheridan (6^th / 3^rd Irish), Mickaël Aherne, Ciaran Keating, Isaac Deasy and Youen Deasy – pushed hard in a hectic fleet packed with GBR talent. And stealing hearts was 8-year-old Edie Bruen (Best U8), spotted not only in the IODAI Coached Regatta Fleet but also at the RCYC Main Fleet briefings, soaking up tactics for the day.

Success Beyond the Podium

Everyone on the trip will define success in their own way. For some, it's about chasing the title, for others, it's the craic, camping and friendship. But the real triumph lies in the collective spirit – sailors, coaches, and parents pulling together to make it all happen. It's about giving our young sailors the chance to hit the road, embrace new challenges, and forge friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Meanwhile, back home on Curlane Bank, five Tin Fleet sailors were out training with their Coach Frances Corkery. Next year, we hope they'll join the travelling crew – an inspiring group who embody everything our club stands for.

Senior Fleet Results

Junior Fleet Results

Regatta Racing Results  

Regatta Coached Results