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Elmo Trophy 2024: Youth Team Racing at Royal St George Yacht Club
31 August – 1 September 2024
Ireland has once again proven its dedication to advancing youth sailing through the Elmo Trophy, hosted by the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.
A remarkable 36 school-age teams gathered for this prestigious event, marking it as the largest youth sailing competition in Ireland. Numerous other teams also expressed interest in participating. The competition featured 6 flights of color-matched Firefly boats, adhering to the internationally recognized 3 boat vs 3 boat format, celebrated for its tactical depth. A round-robin ladder system was implemented to ensure dynamic and closely matched racing throughout the weekend.
Saturday’s races were intense, with skilled volunteers and event management professionals ensuring a smooth operation. A new rolling two-minute start sequence was successfully piloted while maintaining suitable course lengths. The international umpire team closely monitored the action, providing essential oversight in critical racing conditions.
After completing 138 races, the atmosphere shifted towards celebration. The Rutland Raiders, despite being the sole participants, humorously lost the karaoke competition, but their moment to shine would soon arrive. As Sunday began with very light winds, the overnight leaders were Team Prestige Worldwide, who faced the daunting challenge of fending off what is known as the ‘Leaders Curse’. An impressive 42 additional round-robin races took place before transitioning to the competition’s ladder—or Swiss League—phase.
The race management team, led by PRO David Bolger and event expert John Sheehy, made tough but fair decisions. After several postponements due to unpredictable breeze conditions, they decided to advance directly to the semi-finals by mid-afternoon, where competitors faced a modest 5 knots from the southeast.
In the semi-finals, the Rutland Raiders triumphed over Team ‘Where’s Peter?’, while the reigning Irish School Champions, the Schull Sharks, overcame the challenges posed by Team Prestige Worldwide. Prestige later secured a victory in the competitive petit final against ‘Where’s Peter?’.
Unknown to their competitors, the Rutland Raiders had engaged in a summer training program focused on light air conditions, including participation in the Firefly Nationals on the Cornish Riviera. From the outset of the finals, the Raiders showcased impressive speed and smooth boat handling, maintaining a lead at the start despite the persistent challenge from the Schull Sharks, particularly evident during the downwind legs in both races.
The event featured live streaming, with John Sheehy’s expert commentary enriching the viewing experience. In memory of Graham Elmes, a dedicated ambassador for the sport, Frank Elmes participated in the prize-giving alongside Commodore Mark and special guest Robbie. Ultimately, the Rutland Raiders successfully defended the trophy they won in 2023. The Raiders managed to catch their flight, along with their teammates from ‘Rutland Rebels’, who placed a commendable 10th.
Meet the remarkable sailors who rose to the occasion on one of sailing’s finest stages:
Rutland Raiders (Winners): Dylan Beatty, Oliver Mckee, Georgiana Caldecott, Harry Rowlands, Katie Robinson, Harry Burge
Rutland Rebels (10th): Luke Rowlands, Annabelle Hacker, Annabel Caldecott, Beau Beesley, Jude Beatty, Grace Cullen
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.
