Young sailors attend RYA Northern Ireland selection weekend

The event, which took place on 10 and 11 October, saw the youngsailors taking part in two days of coaching and selections.

Strict Covid-19 arrangements were in place and sessions tookplace outdoors in three groups with Laser Head Coach Barry McCartin,Performance Development Officer James Farrell and Performance Manager AndrewBaker. 

Commenting on the action packed weekend, Andrew Baker said: “Saturdaywas all about boat handling and shaking off any rustiness form a season withless sailing than normal. Gusts of 20 knots were a rude awakening for some. Bythe end of the day the groups were showing real promise and becoming morecompetitive within themselves.  

“Sunday put into practice the previous day of training with a drillfocusing on boat speed and changing gears in a laser. These sessions were aidedby the ever-changing weather which had the sailors working the boats throughlight drifting conditions right up to flat out hiking.” 

He added: “The weekend concluded with three large races bringingall the groups together giving additional pressure of performing among a largernumber of boats, which is what the sailors can expect at future events.” 

Reflecting on the success of the event, Baker said: “It was agreat weekend and I am very pleasedgiven the current Covid-19 climate that we were able to run the Performanceselection weekend. 

“I am impressed by the enthusiasmshown by all the participants. This was my first selection weekend asPerformance Manager and I am pleased to see the talent Northern Ireland has tooffer and excited to grow and support our future sailors. 

“I would like to thank everyone forunderstanding the circumstances and helping us run the weekend safely and inaccordance with Covid-19 guidelines. ''   

The successful young athletes who have been selected by RYANorthern Ireland will now be invited to be part of the RYA Northern Ireland YouthPerformance Programme and undergo six weekends on-water coaching, as well asother campaign support throughout the Winter period.