A Memorable Junior Laying Up Supper at the Royal Cork Yacht Club

Last weekend, the Royal Cork Yacht Club, proudly recognised as the oldest club in the world, played host to its annual Junior Laying Up Supper, an evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements  and spirit of its young sailors. The event marked the informal close of the junior sailing season, gathering families, volunteers and of course the sailors for a night of well earned celebrations.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Yvonne Durcan, Rear Admiral Dinghies, who reflected on the successes of the past season and highlighting the growth and dedication displayed by sailors of all levels.

The awards presentation were made by each individual class captain where recognition was given to Most Improved Sailor of the Year and Sailor of the Year. Applause filled the room as sailors came forward to receive their trophies, as listed below 

                        Most Improved                                  Sailor of the Year 

Optimist         Max O'Sullivan                                   Dylan O'Sullivan

Topper           James Nyhan                                      Luke Power

ILCA              Seren Galvin                                        Eolann Miles

Feva               Nicholas Nyhan &                              Jenny & Aisling O'Connor

                       Youen Deasy

420's              Charlie Spillane &                               Daniel Copithorne & 

                       Ryan O'Connell                                  Matt Mapplebeck

Other prizes presented on the night to the optimist Class were as follows 

Isaac Deasy  – Over all  League winner Copper Fleet

John Keating –  Over all  League winner Bronze Fleet

Oran Collins – Over all  League winner Silver Fleet

Dylan O'Sullivan – Over all  League winner Gold Fleet

Coaches and Volunteers were also acknowledged for their tireless efforts throughout the season. Their guidance and help both on and off the water was celebrated as on essential part of the club's strong junior program. Parents too were thanked for their support, transport and encouragement, often the unsung contributions that help our young sailors thrive.

The Frank Thompson Memorial Trophy for the Volunteer of the Year was presented to Olivia & Shane O'Connor for their tireless amount of work they put in with the dinghy classes both on and off the water.

 

Frank Thompson memorial trophy presented by Franks daughter Rachel to Olivia & Shane O'Connor for Volunteers of the Year.

The ever coveted 'Pyewacket Trophy', presented to the sailor or sailors who have performed at an incredibly high standard within their respective classes throughout the season. This year the nominees were as follows,

Dylan O'Sullivan – Optimist Class

Eolann Miles – ILCA Class

Daniel Copithorne & Matt Mapplebeck – 420 Class

Oisin Pierse & Fionn Daly -49er Class

Nominees for the Pyewacket Trophy 

 

The winners of the Pyewacket trophy were Daniel Copithorne & Matt Mapplebeck with the Admiral Annamarie Fegan, Rear Admiral Dinghies Yvonne Durcan &  Vice Admiral Denis Byrne.

Huge congratulations to them both.

As the evening came to a close, the RCYC's Junior Laying Up Supper had once again succeeded in celebrating the next generation of sailors. With memories made and new goals set the juniors now look forward to the winter training months and the promise of another exciting season ahead.