Sailing Success

Down High and Strangford Lough sailors have had an extremely successful season with Evie McLaughlin, Fergal Mooney, Adam Fermor and Olivia Mooney demonstrating their skill and ability in the sailing arena. Each pupil has been selected to be involved in the Performance Pathway scheme which allows sailors to develop their racing skills and aims to prepare sailors to progress towards a National and Olympic Pathway.
Evie McLaughlin (Year 11) has gone from strength to strength and is currently sailing in the Youth and Female Olympic Laser Radial team. This follows her success in the Topper World Championships held in France during the summer and both achievements have resulted in her being invited to be a Training Partner in the Performance Academy which is the highest youth programme. Evie is the first Down High pupil to be offered such an opportunity – an outstanding achievement for such a young sailor.
Fergal Mooney (Year 12), has also been identified as having significant potential and is a member of the Northern Ireland Youth Performance Programme. This programme identifies and supports the best Topper sailors in the province.
Adam Fermor (Year 13), continues to compete in the NI Youth Squad sailing in the laser radial. He also had the opportunity to compete as part of the NI team in the Laser Radial Youth World competition which was held in Holland during the summer.
Olivia Mooney (Year 14) has taken her experience competing in the Youth section and qualified to become a Race Coach with the aim of helping younger sailors to develop and improve their skills.