Sailing - Irish Olympic Sailing athletes announced ahead of Rio 2016 games
Just days before the Rio 2016 Olympics get underway, the Sailing athletes for Team Ireland will meet in Dublin together to finalise their preparations and to invite people to 'Try Sailing' at clubs and centres around the county.
Competing in four disciplines, the squad representing Ireland includes both veterans and first-timers at an Olympic regatta. With an average age of 27, when combined, more than 60 years of dedicated campaigning has been made by the athletes involved.
"All of us who will represent Ireland in the Rio 2016 regatta are passionate about Sailing, not just at Olympic level but simply having fun and enjoying the water as well," commented Annalise Murphy, the veteran sailor from the London 2012 Games. "It's a natural sport for our island nation and we hope that more people will give it a try."
The Irish Sailing Association programme involves creating 'tasting' opportunities where newcomers to the sport can sample different types of boats. Prior experience or boat ownership is not required and the centres involved all adhere to the ISA’s certification and standards programme that ensures quality and safe practices.
The sailors include Murphy competing in the women's single-handed dinghy, Finn Lynch in the counterpart men's event and who at 20 is the youngest ever Irish helm, Ryan Seaton with Matt McGovern in the men's skiff event and Andrea Brewster with Saskia Tidey in the women's skiff.
"Our sailors are about to realise a lifetime ambition and the high-point of four years of intense work," commented James O'Callaghan, ISA Performance Director. "The six sailors represent another 100 young athletes on our performance pathway as well as thousands of sailors around our coast who have given them massive support and encouragement."
The squad will be in Dublin to launch the 'Try Sailing' postcards that will be available to Ireland's large family of existing sailors to invite newcomers to try the sport.
A network of more than 200 sailing clubs and recognised training establishments around the country means that almost everywhere in the country is within a 60-minute drive of a venue.
"Sailing is the lifelong sport and when people get a taste for it, they can see how even our performance athletes continue to enjoy the sport even out of competition," said Gail McAllister, ISA Regional Development Officer. "And its not all full-on competition either - cruising and seamanship skills are just as rewarding and a great way to explore our coasts and waterways."
The 'Try Sailing' initiative comes in different formats depending on the venue but all share the common theme of introducing people to boats and the water safely and with full protective equipment and instruction provided. Most programmes are family-friendly with tailored courses to suit all ages and interests.
A full list of 'Try Sailing' courses and opportunities are available on www.sailing.ie and profiles of the individual athletes as well as details of the pathway and academy sailors are available on www.isaperformance.ie.