Summer Weather for Schull Winter Training

Have a look at the photos in gallery and hope we get some of this weather in the summer.  With good breezes, no rain and even some sunshine, Schull week saw the best conditions for years providing five full days of sailing.

We did advise everyone to go and those who went were justly rewarded.  A massive 87 sailors dodged school and boring days in front of the TV to enjoy a week of Summer sailing in mid February.

Dry suits were very much the order of the days but many managed with wet suits until Thursday when despite clear sky and no rain it turned just that little bit colder.

With Italian Coach Massimo and the Centre's own David Harte concentrating on the main fleet and those going to the trials, the regatta fleet came on leaps and bounds with about 4 hours non-stop sailing very day.  The main fleet were always first to launch, followed by the regatta fleet.  The main fleet came ashore for lunch leaving the regatta fleet out there until they got tired.  

A few of the regatta fleet even moved up to join the main fleet by mid week and one thing is certain, everyone improved and there are so many "new kids on the block" that the first events are going to be very interesting, and of course, great fun.  Especially for all our new sailors who met lots of new friends in Schull and I'm sure that many acquantances will be renewed when we all turn up in Skerries for the first of the Regionals.

Apparently some of the adults had a good time too!!!

Don't forget your regional and club coaching sessions to polish the skills learnt in Schull.

Some Schull feedback already received:

• "Well done IODAI.  What a great weeks coaching and training".
• "Well done David Harte and his team."
• "There was excellent coaching for all levels last week.  Who organised the fantastic sunshine, wind and sailing conditions???"
• "It great to see the event as popular as ever."
• "Our sailors enjoyed it immensely.  That was out 6th Schull outing in a row!! And it keeps getting better."
• "It is very imprtant that this event is maintained in the IODAI calendar.  It is seen as an IODAI organised event for ALL Optimist sailors and it goes a long way to dispelling the sometimes perceived notion that IODAI is all about Worlds and European Teams."
• "I just want to say thank you for the fabulous week we had in Schull.  Our sailor got some great sailing in and learned a lot which we are hoping to build on.  It also proved to be a great family break for us."
• "I know events such as that only succeed when the planning and hard work is done before and during it. Thanks to all members of the organising committee for that."

• "Good wishes and hope to see you at some of the IODAI events during the year."