The ISA National Squad- Year one draws to a close

In its first year the squad has had the benefit of lead coaching from Thomas Chaix who was ably assisted by various expert coaches throughout the programme. The programme consisted of two domestic weekends before Christmas, a camp abroad with the French team and an event in Palma. After Christmas there were 3 domestic weekends. The goal of the squad was to have fun, help prepare for international events and in general give a good foundation for progression within the ISA Performance Pathway.

One of the highlights of the squad was the regatta trip to compete in Palma, Spain. The teams were joined by Olympic 470 coach Ross Killian who was impressed with what he saw. The squad came away with 5 carding results and a race win by Katie Gambier-Ross.

Back Row: L to R: Aodh Kennedy; Killian OKeeffe; Richie Harrington; Alan Kinston; Colm O'Regan; ISA Coach Thomas Chaix

Front Row: L to R: ISA Development Officer, James O'Callaghan; Eoghan Cudmore; Patrick Daly; Katie Gambier Ross; Holly Campbell; Fiona Daly; Ali Dix (Missing from photograph; Tara Flood)

The squad would not have functioned so smoothly without the support of the parents, particularly the volunteer team leaders, “B+B” facilities in Kinsale, IODAI and of course funding from the Irish Sports Council.

Many lessons were learned in the first year and as a result the second year promises to be even better. The next ISA National Optimist squad will be selected after the 2008 Nationals. More details will be posted on the ISA website shortly.

We hope the squad will grow from strength to strength and I have every confidence we will be seeing some of this generation of sailors in the Olympic classes in the not too distant future.

James O’Callaghan

ISA Performance Director