The Optimists Spring Series will begin at the Royal Cork Yacht Club on Saturday week, January 20.

The IODAI describes the series as “a support to club winter training programs by giving sailors access to competition through the colder months. While the Series is open to all main fleet sailors, it is tailored to Gold and Silver fleet sailors looking to participate in the Youth Sailing Nationals in April.”

The Series will have three days of racing:

• January 20 – RCYC,Crosshaven
• February 24 - National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire
• March 23 - Lough Derg Yacht Club

Four races are scheduled for each day.

The Notice of Race has been published, and registrations close this Saturday, January 13.

On the day after the Sprint Series the RCYC will put on a separate day of Optimist training, opening it up to all who wish to avail of it.

“This will be nice tie in with other clubs involved in the future as the series establishes itself,” the IODAI says.