SAILING ISA Olympic Steering Group Ratify Two Teams to Represent Ireland at the 2009 ISAF Youth World Sailing Championships

• ISA Olympic Steering Group Ratify Two Teams to Represent Ireland at the 2009 ISAF Youth World Sailing Championships
• Irish Youth Sailing Team Taking Shape

ISA Olympic Steering Group (OSG) today (24/04/09) ratified two teams to represent Ireland at the 2009 ISAF Youth World Sailing Championships

Jane Butler, Jenny Andreasson and Matthew O'Dowd have successfully earned selection for the prestigious ISAF Youth World Championship, which take place in Brazil (9th - 19th July 2009).

Butler & Andreasson will compete in the Girl's 420 double handed sailing discipline, while O'Dowd will sail in the Boy's Laser Radial single handed discipline.

Winning the nomination to represent Ireland at the Youth Worlds is a two part process. Initially sailors have to win the ISA nomination series, which combines class specific Munster championships and the ISA Youth Nationals. The second criterion is the attainment of a defined international standard at pre-identified events.

James O'Callaghan ISA Performance Director commented:
"I've been involved in ISA Youth Nationals since 1992 and without doubt 2009 was the most competitive I have witnessed. Great credit goes to both teams selected today; they worked hard over the winter and produced some magnificent sailing over the two events. "

All three sailors are members of the Royal St George Yacht Club and active participants in the Club's Youth Sailing Scheme (YSS).

O'Callaghan continued:
"I'm excited about the potential they have to produce something special in Brazil and indeed about their long term prospects in the Olympic programme."

Further teams in the Boy's 420 double handed, Girl's Laser Radial and Hobie class may be confirmed at a later date.

As O'Callaghan explained: "A couple of teams need to complete the final bit of the jigsaw to secure selection, I'm extremely optimistic we will be announcing more team members shortly!"