The team
Thomas Chaix
DinghyPerformance founder manager
Thomas started coaching full time in 2005.
Thomas is the founder of DinghyPerformance. After 10 years of full time coaching under his own label, he recognised the value of developing young coaches and working with them towards a more integrated and better delivery to junior and youth sailors.
Thomas is a keen sailor having competed nationally and internationally on many classes and still race occasionally (14th at Laser Master worlds in 2014 and runner up in 2018). He was for years the Optimist Irish national coach and is a key advisor to sailors and parents alike when it comes to progressing from Junior to youth sailing... Many of the current Olympians and top youth would have worked with him at some point of their progress towards success.
His knowledge of dinghy sailing makes him the perfect advisor to ensure you get the appropriate gear to give you the best chance of performance on the race course.
VIVIANE CHAIX
DinghyPerformance International coach.
Part Time coach when her schedule allows.
Viviane was a tough sailor. She performed at the forefront of the French optimist fleet in the 90s and has since competed in Lasers and 420s. She links fun and enjoyable session with hard work and is probably one of the only coach out here who could jump back in an optimist and give a run for their money to any kids.
Loghlen Rickard
DinghyPerformance junior coach.
Sailor & coach in training
Loghlen got his first job with the team in summer 2016 and did particularly well with a small group of Optimist U12... Laser radial sailor, member of the Irish youth academy, still actively trying to perform on the youth scene, he is helping out when his schedule allows as he is now based in the US.
Dylan Reidy
DinghyPerformance Kerry based junior coach & Warehouse helper.
Sailor & coach in training
Dylan is just 18 but his professionalism and reliance is second to none. Having progressed in the laser class he is now looking to crew in a 49er (Thomas helming) yet developing his coaching skills. Dylan is also a very valuable helping hand at the warehouse in Tralee when his school schedule allows.
Dinghyperformance2017@gmail.com
Thomas Chaix
Erica RUIGROK
DinghyPerformance Dublin based national coach.
Part Time coach when her schedule allows.
Erica is a very versatile sailor (Optimist, Topper, laser, RS) and a solid coach using her experience on the Laser olympic circuit. Professional, with a good sense of humour, she provides training and support at a very high level yet understand well the psychology of managing young sailors
Sophie Browne
DinghyPerformance Kerry/Cork based national coach.
Part Time coach when her schedule allows.
Sophie had her glory time when she secured Silver medal at the Optimist worlds (2011), a result that has not been beaten yet... Having been coached by the best, having raced with the best, she is now delivering her knowledge to the next generation of Optimist sailors.
Services for competitive sailors by a sailor