AWSS organisers invite all Optimist Sailors final day on Saturday

by Richard Cave on 17 Sep 2012
AWSS organisers invite all Optimist Sailors from and near Auckland to prepare for the Summer Season and join the final AWSS day at KYC on Saturday 22nd September 2012 ready for a 12:50pm briefing and a 1:30pm Race Start.

Auckland’s first Winter Sprint Series now after 29 races comes to a close at Kohimarama Yacht Club Saturday 22nd Sept, being the last day with a final four races scheduled. The AWSS series designed to give all Optimist sailors some short course sprint racing has been held over ten Winter days, each 2 weeks apart, May to Sept 2012, rotating each series day between Yacht Clubs Kohi, Wakatere and Murrays Bay.

Yachting New Zealand's CEO David Abercrombie, supporting the AWSS event has generously provided sponsorship for the end of Series Prize Winners. YNZ consider this a fantastic event and hope that the Series continues in future years. Force Racing and other dedicated coaches have each provided on water support to assist enhance key skills. Auckland On-Water Boat Show CEO, Michelle Khan, fully supports the AWSS, reporting that Boating NZ must assist young NZ sailors. The youth of today is our furture tomorrow.

The Winter Racing has been held in a full variety of wind conditions, from both lower to upper ranges. The SI’s allow a race drop every 5 races, with higher penalty points for those who do not attend for a race day. Organisers wanted a structure to encourage leaving the home couch after the Winter Sports field game. The Series gave those selected to travel overseas an opportunity to race train with the best in Auckland prior to their departure. Equally the Series gave tier 2 & 3 sailors an opportunity to keep their Summer sailing hand in and pitch themselves against the best.

The Sailing Instructions provided short course sprints via 4 races each day, with emphasis for sailors to concentrate on their Starts and the first beat, being 70% of a race. While beginning of Season entries were available, the Series is also open to those who wish to enter on a daily basis.

Season sailing parent John Adair reports that it has been fantastic to see the synergy of three Club’s resources provide so much benefit for NZ Optimist children. Equally KYC P Class Champion 1989 and Starling Champion 1990 Karyn Drummond says that such mutual Club sailing gives local children the experience of learning to sail in new water and conditions. It will be these sailors who have applied themselves during the Winter who will have an edge at the first Ranking Regatta at Taupo.

The series, a brain child following the synergistic thinking from the three club’s, is now the envy of other Classes, including 420’s and 29’er who request the same AWSS during 2013 Winter.

After a successful AWSS, organisers look forward to bringing the AWSS to a close September 22nd prior to the beginning of the Summer Season.

Organiser thank all parents and supporters for assisting make the AWSS a true success.

Now with many Winter Sports at a close, AWSS organisers invite all Optimist Racing Sailors from and near Auckland to prepare for their Summer Season and join the final AWSS day at KYC on Saturday 22nd September 2012 ready for a 12:50pm Breifing and a 1:30pm Race Start. A post race BBQ, Chocolate Fish and Series Prize Giving is scheduled.