IODAI Teams decided after a very successful trials

After last year's unkind weather pattern during the IODAI trials, this year's racing had something to suit everyone.  With races held in of winds between 7 knots and 25 knots the trials offered evry condition available.

The first leg in RCYC got off to a windy start on the first day and moderated slightly on the second day.  The third da gave the lighter sailors a chance to get into the fray.  All in all the comnditions couldn't ahve been better allowing all sailors a chance to see that they can turn in good results when the circumstances permit.

All sailors went home with some good results and expectations of a tense second leg.

Again the weather didn't disappoint and with two days of sunshine and moderate breezes the weather gods kept the ultimate test for the final races on the alst day.  With winds gusting up to 27 knots PRO Philip Cowman displayed great percerverance.  The conditions did not make anchoring the 40 ton committee boat in the soft botttom of Lough Ree an easy task.  Once achieved two challenging races concluded the trials and all sailors and parents, whether successful or not, went home knowing that they had experienced an excellent sailing event.

Now, the teams:

Firstly, as previously announced IODAI have decided that our top sailors should represent Ireland at the European CXhampionships.  However, the opportunity was open to any of the top five sailors to travel to the World's in Brazil should they wish.  Alexander Rumball who finished fourth in the trials opted to travel to the Worlds in Brazil later this year and he is seen here being congratulated on his success and wished "all the best" by IODAI President, Martin Byrne.

The European Team: Left to right: Colm O'Regan; Seafra Guilfoyle; John Durcan: Patrick Crosbie; Fiona Daly; Amy Harrington; Tara Flood.

The International Development Team: From left to right: Katherine Geoghegan; Philip Brownlow; Tadgh Donnelly; Cliodhna O'Regan; Conor Byrne; Aodg Kennedy; Xander Morrison; Brendan Lyden; Cian Byrne; Peter McCann. Inset top right, Amy Clarke.

The Under 12 Team:  Standing from left to right: Ciaran Jordan; Donagh O'Buachalla; Mark Bolger; Sandy Aplin; Louise Magowan; Erica Ruigrok; Daire Cournane; Cliodhna O'Regan; Cian Byrne; Peter McCann.  Kneeling from Left to Right: Sean Waddilove; Fergus Flood; Harry Whittaker; Sean Gambier Ross: Eoin Lyden; Sean Donnelly; Sophie Brown.  Inset, top right: Adam Hyland.

Patrick Crosbie performed the most difficult task at the trials - making the winner's speech.  Martin Byrne, IODAI President and Eileen Browne, Lough Ree Yacht Club Commodore, look on.