Welcome to the 2024 IODAI Optimist Irish National Championships at HYC - The Full Story
Spotlight on prizegiving
The 2024 IODAI Optimist Irish National Championships have once again brought excitement and prestige to Howth Yacht Club. This year’s event was particularly special as it saw the return of the national oppie races to Howth waters where they previously took place in 2019.
The championships attracted a diverse and competitive fleet, with sailors from across Ireland and from several other countries coming together for a week of coaching, thrilling racing that showcased the high level of sportsmanship of the young sailors, and playful occasions that boosted friendship and camaraderie.
Thirty years after David Crosbie’s victory, his daughter Charlotte Crosbie (Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club) claimed the title, continuing a proud family legacy.
Read the full coverage by Afloat Magazine and enjoy our photo album of the Prizegiving Ceremony.
2024 IODAI Optimist Irish Nationals - Prizegiving Ceremony
Congratulations to the newly crowned Irish National Champion, all the winners across the fleets and fair winds all from the HYC editorial team!
Looking back...
The 2024 IODAI Irish Championships at Howth Yacht Club concluded with an impressive lineout of young sailing talent. Over four days, the event saw ideal conditions that allowed the competitors to improve their technique and display their skills and determination. The final day was particularly memorable, thriving on an atmosphere was both festive and competitive.
On the operational side, the collaboration with IODAI was truly smooth and effective, and we are very grateful to all the volunteers who helped in countless ways: Racing Officers, HYC Organising Committee and HYC Members, Howth Scout Group, sailors’ families, coaches, and even mascot pets. A big shout out to HYC Marina, Restaurant, Bar, Office, Rescue and Instructor Staff, who were always ready to support… with a smile.
Kudos to Andrew Conan for his excellent photo storytelling of the event and to Joseph Batt for providing the drone big picture. We are grateful for the continued support from Howth RNLI and Howth Harbourmaster, and we also thank Eve McMahon for her super engaged participation in the daily prize-giving on Friday. Finally, a huge thank you to all the amazing young athletes who took part in the championships and our excellent event partners and sponsors: Fingal County Council, Viking Marine, National Dairy Council, Kilmeaden Cheese, McWilliam Bags, WaterWipes and Avolon.
Stay tuned for the final results and the photo album of the prizegiving ceremony.
2024 IODAI Optimist Irish Nationals - Day 4 Highlights
DAY 4 - Sunday
The fourth and final day of the 2024 IODAI Irish Optimist Championships at HYC is gifted with ideal conditions for the young sailors and it promises exciting settings for racing.
As the athletes prepare their boats, grit and motivation is more evident than ever before in the fleet. This is the ultimate chance for all participants to fine-tune their racing skills and achieve their best performance in this edition of the championships.
Yesterday, the day was fully dedicated to water activities, including a successful Melges 15 try out for families and supporters. This event showed the full potential of this new dinghy class for both racing and fun sailing in Howth waters. The enthusiasm and positive feedback from participants highlighted the versatility and appeal of the Melges 15, adding an extra layer of excitement to the championships.
Today, with the young sailors starting at 10:55, parents and supporters can enjoy a summer brunch in HYC Club House and Pergola dehors from 11:00. The atmosphere is set to be both thrilled and celebratory, as everyone looks forward to welcoming the sailors back this afternoon for the final prize-giving ceremony and an heart warming Sunday Family Roast at the HYC Restaurant.
The sense of community and shared passion for sailing will undoubtedly make this a memorable conclusion to the championships.
We hope all sailors will enjoy every moment of this final day at the 2024 Oppie Irish Nationals!
2024 IODAI Optimist Irish Nationals - Day 3 Highlights
DAY 3 - Saturday
Good morning from Day 3 at the 2024 IODAI Optimist National Championships.
Yesterday’s favourable weather and excellent sailing conditions marked the end of the first half of the competition and saw the young sailors showcase their skills, determination and enthusiasm in Howth waters during the second day of racing.
The enthusiastic participation at the Ladies Lunch, the get together and a very large group photo with Irish Olympic sailor and HYC Member Eve McMahon… and the ice cream van were the highlights of the afternoon and left everyone motivated and excited.
Today, the competitors are eager to continue their racing adventure. The forecast promises another day of pleasant sailing conditions. The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation as the sailors prepare their boats and strategize for the races ahead.
And while racing continues for the young Oppie sailors, adult supporters have the opportunity to try out the exciting Melges 15, the perfect dinghy for multi-generational sailing.
Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the photo album of the talented young sailors from Day 2 of the Championships.
Good luck to all the participants and a great Saturday to everyone at HYC!
2024 IODAI Optimist Irish Nationals - Day 2 Highlights
DAY 2 - Friday
What a beautiful sunny day we have for Day 2 of the IODAI Optimist Nationals here at Howth Yacht Club!
Our pavilion bar staff is second to none, and today’s event programme is packed with activities for everyone.
After yesterday’s challenging conditions, today’s first gun is at 1055 in the beautiful Howth seascape.
With young sailors out racing, Ladies Lunch is in the Asgard Room at 1300, ice cream will be on site for everyone after sailing, and we'll be all together giving the warmest welcome back to olympic sailing hero Eve McMahon.
Stay with us for dinner as Chef Marcel and his team prepare weekend specials that will treat and get everyone full of energy for Day 3.
Fair winds and smooth sailing to all our sailors, and let’s have a fantastic day on and off the water!
2024 IODAI Optimist Irish Nationals - Day 1 Highlights
DAY 1 - Thursday
Following yesterday’s lively opening ceremony, the first day of racing is finally here and everything is ready to welcome all young athletes and their families to HYC for an exciting start to this year’s IODAI Nationals.
Despite some rain and clouds at the start of this morning, we anticipate brighter skies and favourable winds in the coming days, ensuring great competition and plenty of fun for everyone. We aim at making a memorable experience for both young sailors and their supporters, so make sure you do not miss any appointment in the exciting 4-day event programme.
A special reminder of the Ladies’ Lunch on Friday at 1300 – Registration is open online, or in the Race Office.
As announced yesterday, on Friday at 1700, we will have also the unique opportunity to welcome back one of our very own star sailors, Eve McMahon, as she returns to HYC after the Olympic Games.
Saturday morning will offer the exciting opportunity to try out the newest addition to the HYC Dinghy Fleet: the fast, colourful and exciting Melges 15.
Let’s make this championship an unforgettable one! And to begin with, breakfast baps are available in the outdoor hospitality pavilion to give you the energy you need to kickstart your racing and supporting day. Sailors’ aftersail refuelling will also be available there, while the HYC Clubhouse is ready to host athlete supporters with succulent lunch specialties. Dinner time will then surprise everyone with Steak Night on Thursday, Weekend Specials on Friday and Saturday, and of course the comfort of a Sunday Family Roast, bringing joy and delicious memories to end the sailing experience.
Come back often to this page and check the photo album that will be available on this page with the highlights of each days.