The ISA National Optimist Squad

The 07/08 sailing season sees the introduction of the ISA National Optimist Squad. The squad comes under the umbrella of the ISA High Performance unit which receives funding from the Irish Sports Council specifically ring fenced for the ISA Performance Pathway. 

The concept of the squad has been discussed and evolved with IODAI over the last two years. Traditionally, the ISA has helped with the preparation of teams travelling to Worlds and Europeans however the time to work with sailors has been very limited. The new squad will be selected every year after the Nationals and will operate over the autumn and winter period. 

The squad in no way takes the place of IODAI trials. IODAI will in parallel with the squad be running regionalised training over the autumn and winter periods. 

The ISA National Optimist Squad objectives are to: 

1. To ensure the correct skills foundation is put in place with young sailors.
2. To help prepare for international competition.
3. To ensure a successful transition to the next stage of the ISA performance Pathway.
4. To have FUN J!!