Optimist Open and Training at Blackwater Sailing Club: Get Ready for Top-notch Competitions and Skills Development
Last weekend, Blackwater sailing Club hosted an Optimist Open and Training event, welcoming nearly 70 Optimist dinghies for a weekend of sailing. The weather was perfect, resembling summer despite it being late September.
The event kicked off with a training day on Saturday, where sailors received classroom tuition and spent four hours honing their skills on the water. It was also a qualifier for ‘Team East’, the winter training program that is replacing the RYA run RTG of previous years.
The facilities at Blackwater sailing Club catered to sailors of all levels, with beginners participating in gentle coaching activities on the lake. On Sunday, three races were held, with Joshua Gillow emerging as the overall winner.
In the regatta fleet, Hannah Child won the first race, while Harriet Fletcher clinched victory in the next two races, securing the overall event win. The Main fleet saw intense competition, with local sailor Callum Marshall ultimately claiming the Open Meeting title.
The event concluded with a prize-giving ceremony and a special ‘sprit guard of honour’ for departing sailors. The Optimist community in the East continues to thrive, with a mix of skilled GBR squad sailors and newcomers enjoying the sport together.
Overall Results:
*Main Fleet
1st: Callum Marshall
2nd: Monty Levell
3rd: Isaac Thomas
4th: Oscar Coates
5th: Thomas Child
*regatta Fleet
1st: Harriet Fletcher
2nd: Hannah Child
3rd: Leonie Fairhead
4th: Oliver Keeble
5th: Matthew Marshall
The Optimist sailors in the East region are passionate and competitive, making events like these a highlight for participants of all ages and abilities. Thanks to Blackwater sailing Club for providing a fantastic venue for learning, competing, and enjoying the sport.
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Sarah Mitchell, an experienced sailor and marine journalist from Sydney, has nurtured a love for the ocean throughout her life. After earning a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Sydney, Sarah quickly made a name for herself with her compelling and vivid storytelling. Her work captures the thrill of sailing and the unique culture of maritime life, making her a respected figure in the sailing community. Outside of writing, Sarah spends her time exploring Australia’s stunning coastlines and competing in local regattas, always on the lookout for her next great adventure.