Optimist East Coast Championships at MHYC

by Louise Bashford on 28 May 2008 Following the inauguration of Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Program only six months ago, in which over 50 kids learnt to sail, MHYC will further exhibit its growing strength in Junior Sailing when they host the Optimist East Coast Championships on 7th & 8th June. The regatta is linked by a club coaching day on Monday 9th June.

The Club expects around 40 boats (40 sailors, their parents, race management officials and volunteers) at the Championships. Offering two divisions, a 'Green Fleet' – an introduction to racing for new optimist sailors and an 'Open Division' – optimist sailors from around Sydney, interstate and possibly New Zealand, means this championship will offer all young sailors the opportunity to experience the excitement of Championship racing.

Three of the five Optimist World’s team members will be amongst the starters in the Open Division of the Optimist East Coast Championship.

Shelley White (National Champion from Keppel Bay Sailing Club, Qld) Lloyd Collings (Sorrento Couta Boat Sailing Club, VIC) and Amy Gallagher (Royal Queensland Yacht Club) will all use the regatta to work with the Australian Optimist Sailing Team Coach, Rob Brewer and other team members prior to attending the Optimist World Titles in Turkey in July.

In addition, Australian Optimist Sailing Team members, Milly Bennett (2007 World’s team member and 2007 NSW State Champion from RPAYC), James Brewer (2008 NSW State Champion Runner Up, RPAYC), Dylan Passmore (2008 NSW State Champion, Georges River 16' Skiff SC) and Lawrence Wakefield, Drummoyne Sailing Club will also compete at the event.

The winner of the Open Division will receive a Rob Brewer 'RX' Optimist Sail. The 'RX' Optimist Sail is a radial design, suited to the advanced sailor and used by a number of top sailors in Australia.

Sponsors, Premier Awards will provide trophies for First, second, and third placegetters with participation awards for all 'Green Fleet' competitors.

Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s Winter Junior Sailing program.

MHYC’s Winter Junior Sailing program which commences on July 20 and will run until August 31, already has 12 youngsters registered all keen to take on a new leisure activity.

The Spring Junior Sailing Program will commence on the 15th September. The program will offer sailing in Optimists, RS Feva’s and Flying 11’s with an estimated total fleet of 40 boats racing each Sunday.

For more information on either the Optimist East Coast Championship or the MHYC Junior Program inquiries can be directed to Mitch Watkins on (02)9969 1244 or visit www.mhyc.com.au/eastcoastchamps.htm

Media and Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Louise Bashford 0414410000 or lbashford(at)mhyc.com.au