Between culture shock, making new friendships and completing a series of 10 competitive races, 5 young Irish Optimist sailors enjoyed 10 days in Chennai, India, racing their Optimist at the India International Regatta 2026.
The event is part of the ASAF (Asian Sailing) youth circuit and after a long break returned to Chennai waters. The event was open to ILCA4, 29er, 420 and IQ foils, but Optimist was the largest entry with 50 boats from India, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mauritius, Malaysia, Sweden and Ireland.
Philippa Cox Arthurs from Lough Derg YC and the Royal St George YC, Jamie Blennerhassett from Kinsale YC, Lilly Sheridan Waterford Harbour SC and Royal Cork YC, Lucia Rosenkowitz from Waterford Harbour SC and Royal Cork YC, and finally the youngest team member Ben Chaix from Tralee Bay SC went to the event with their for their coach Thomas Chaix. Ruth Spelman also accompanied the group.
The event was run over 4 days. The girls were racing with the boys keeping things very competitive but scored separately which impacted some strategies. The team were a bit shy on the startline on day 1, but gained confidence on the Inidan Ocean very quickly. By the end of the regatta, the girls had swept the podium, with Philippa Cox Arthurs taking 1st and Lily Sheridan securing 3rd place. Lucia Rosenkowtiz took home 8th place, leaving all three Irish girls placing in the top 10. Jamie Blennerhassett and Benjamin Chaix also performed incredibly well in the Boys Dinghy Class, competing against the international competitors.