The Irish Musto Optimist Open National Championships 2007 were hosted by Royal Cork Yacht Club from 16th to 19th August completing the full programme of twelve races under the expert management of principal race officer Anthony O'Leary. An entry of 134 boats including a strong entry of 21 boats from the UK raced mainly in moderate weather conditions with Saturday providing more challenging winds for the fleet. A 65 strong regatta fleet of younger sailors also competed in a separate event.
The overall winner of the event was Diana Kissane of Howth Yacht Club followed closely by Alexander Rumball of the Royal St. George with local boy Richard Harrington of Royal Cork taking third place. Alexander and Richard both sailed very consistently over the first two days with two race wins apiece and after seven races led by three points.
However, a strong performance from Diana in the breezy conditions on Saturday which included two race wins, set up an overnight lead of six points and a very exciting finish, the final placings being decided only in the last race on Sunday. Diana aged 15, eventually took the title by a five points margin, winning the national championship for the third consecutive year - a feat never before accomplished in the 38-year history of the event.
Tara Flood also had a great event recording two race wins on her way to finishing 10th Irish boat and first U12 girl. Ali Dix was presented with her award for the best Irish performance at the recent European Championships. Oliver Keenan also back from the Europeans sailed consistently while Mark Condy sailed really well with two fourth places to take third place in the silver fleet (despite gear failure putting him out of one race) and put himself in contention for promotion to the gold fleet at the Leinster Championships to be held in Malahide in September.
Phoebe Tyrrell, Robert Ferris, Alexander Delamer and Erica Ruigrok all completed their first National Championships in the main fleet and their performances augur well for the future of Howth Optimist sailing. In the Regatta Fleet, Fergus Flood and Robbie Dix both aged 9 sailed brilliantly and will be putting their older sisters under pressure very soon!
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