Elmes lays down a marker

Two race wins for RCYC’s Douglas Elmes laid down a clear marker for the Optimist class contenders on the opening day of their trials event being held as part of the Mitsubishi Youth Nationals in Dun Laoghaire yesterday.

Clubmates Ronan Cournane and Harry Durcan were also to the fore, second and third respectively, while Ireland’s only sailor at the last Optimist Worlds in New Zealand at Christmas, Tralee Bay Sailing Club’s Sophie Browne is fourth overall, one point outside the podium.

The younger Irish crews in the 420 class slipped slightly yesterday as visiting boats showed their form ahead of the ISAF Youth Worlds in Dun Laoghaire in July. Howth’s Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove were in eighth place last night, while Patrick Crosbie and Grattan Roberts were 10th.

A three-way battle between two French boats and a Chilean is emerging at the front of the 26-boat class.

Racing in all eight events continues today and tomorrow.