SAILING 180 sailors are expected for ISA Youth Nationals & Junior Pathway Championship 2010

Over 180 young sailors are expected to compete in the ISA Youth National & Junior Pathway Championship 2010, which takes place in Schull, Co Cork from 6th - 9th April. Representing ISA clubs from around the country, the sailors are competing across 6 classes for the title of ISA Youth National Champion.

This event will not only encompass selection trials for the Laser Radial, Laser 4.7 and 420 class but will also form the first part of the domestic trial to represent Ireland at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship to be held in Istanbul, Turkey in July.

ISA Youth & Development Manager Rory Fitzpatrick commented:
"With the main protagonists from 2009 still young enough to be in the fray, it's hotting up to be an interesting head-to-head once again."

Already registered to compete in the Laser Radial class are Ross Vaughan, Alan Ruigrok. Mattie O'Dowd and Philip Doran, the current Under 17 Laser Radial World Champion.

The ISA Youth Nationals & Junior Pathway Championship will be run over two separate race courses, one each for the Youth and Junior classes. Evening talks are scheduled to include a review of the day's racing, which should include a video highlight or two from on the water as well as the odd spot prize.

Interestingly this event brings together sailors from 8 to 18 years; allowing the more junior sailors participate in an event that includes those competing to represent Ireland at the ISAF Youth Worlds. On the water support will be provided by Olympic class coaches and Olympians who will also share their knowledge during the evening sessions.

Rory Fitzpatrick, ISA Youth & Development Manager explained: "The formula of including a range of junior classes works on two fronts: families can bring all their young sailors to the one regatta and the junior sailors also get the opportunity to mix and learn from the more experienced youth sailors."

Based in the Fastnet Marine Outdoor Education Centre, the sailors will sail in two race areas - Schull Harbour and Roaringwater Bay. Race Officer David Harte is in charge of the Youth fleet, which includes the Laser Radial, Laser 4.7 and the double-handed 420 dinghy. Richard Kissane is the Race Officer for the Junior Pathway Classes, which includes the Topper & Optimist dinghies along with the double-handed RS Feva. The Optimist Class will race for just two days: 6th & 7th April.