Double Ree
The age-old issue of what boat to progress into after Optimists is often answered by opting for another single-handed boat. And why not. The skills learned in an Optimist can be easily carried over to another single-hander. This option suits many sailors, but not everyone.
Double-handed sailing can offer the challenge of learning new skills; rigging, managing multiple sails, coordinating with another sailor, along with the sociable aspect of sailing with a friend. Not every good sailor is necessarily a good helm. For those sailors, a double-handed boat is the perfect choice. Double-handers can be essential for keeping young people in sailing.
In Lough Ree Yacht Club, we recognised these qualities of double-handed boats. We also noticed that there were only four proper racing fleets of youth double-handers in the country (Mirrors, Fevas, 420s and 29ers).
It occurred to us to organise a single event where each of these fleets could run one of their regional championships. All of the racing would be in the same race area, while ashore the sailors and their families could enjoy Lough Ree Yacht Clubs’ relaxed camping facilities and lively social activities. And so, in 2018 the first Double Ree, a festival of youth Double-handed sailing, was born.
The 4th edition of Double Ree will take place on the weekend of the 20th and 21st of July.
- The Mirror fleet will hold its National Championship. Their event will run from the 19th to the 21st.
Some of the fleets have seen strong growth over the past year, so we are expecting the biggest Double Ree yet.
The date of the event has been specifically selected to make it as accessible as possible for sailors who have just finished their sailing course and who may be trying a regional event for the first time.
While the usual hardened campaigners will be battling it out, a few single-handed sailors may like to pair up and try their hand at double-handed sailing, and maybe even create some surprises.
Register HERE