Munster Express Online

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The Optimist National Sailing Championships took place at Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, Dunmore East from Tuesday, 17th August to Saturday the 21st.

On the first day a total of 234 boats raced and it was a wonderful sight to see them all out in the bay. Over the course of the week conditions ranged from ideal to huge swells typical to Dunmore East but everyone that attended were full of praise for the venue and also for the organisation of the event which went like clockwork from day one.

The Waterford Harbour Sailing Club would like to thank their main sponsors 3 and all the volunteers who helped keep the show on the road throughout the week.

It was a huge undertaking for the club and the harbour area was a hive of activity all week long with the crews and their helpers converging there each morning prior to the launch. The weather was ideal for a lot of the week with a few days not so great but still racing went ahead each day.

Many of the crews were from overseas and it was a great boost to the Dunmore East economy as they along with crews from all over Ireland stayed in the village for the week. Congratulations to all concerned on holding these championships in Waterford and hopefully they will return again in the not too distant future.

Congratulations to Peter Mc Cann (RCYC) who is the Senior Open & National Champion following a fantastic championships in Waterford Harbour Sailing Club.

Daire Cournane (KYC) dominated the Junior fleet to win the Open & National Championships on a convincing 12 points.

Results:

Senior 1st Peter MacCann, (RCYC), 2nd Peter Crosbie, (RCYC), 3rd Arran Holloman, (UK)

Junior 1st Daire Cournane, (RCYC), 2nd Daniel Whiteley (UK), 3rd Robert Dickson, (HYC)

Regatta 1st High Perette, (SDC), 2nd Hugh Hudson-Fowler, (RSt GYC), 3rd Louis Hemerick (RIYC/WHSC)