Caporn Young WA Optimist State Championship
by Janet Jerwood on 4 Mar 2010
Lachlan Gilmour - 2010 WA Optimist State Champion Janet Jerwood
The Caporn Young WA Optimist State Championships were held over three days last weekend at Fremantle Sailing Club. The 82 sailors, ranging from 7 to 15 years of age were treated to strong offshore breezes all weekend.
The Gold and Silver fleets completed 14 races in glorious conditions, whilst the Bronze fleet sailed within the harbour enjoying a variety of racing, fun, games and swimming.
Yachting Western Australia President, John McQueen was the Race Officer for the event, and the intensity on the start line, typical of the way these Optimists start, gave him a very close up view of the future of sailing in Western Australia.
All five sailors representing Australia at the World Championships this year were present, but it was Lachlan Gilmour who showed excellent form all weekend to win the State Championship. Sam Blackburn, another 'Worlds' team member was second and Fieke Koelemij was third.
The Silver fleet shared the race area with the Gold fleet but started after the Golds and raced a completely different course configuration. The conditions on Saturday were challenging for these young sailors but the smiles on their faces and the improvement in their sailing skills throughout the weekend showed how much can be learnt with a few days of intensive racing. The Silver fleet winner was Marcus Fisk from Hillary's YC, with Lee Benjamin and Brenda Morrow in second and third places. The Bronze fleet trophy for 'Most Improved' went to Portia Knight.
Overall, Annabelle Davies was delighted to achieve Top 11 Year old, top 10 year old went to Tom Giudice, Elliot Young was the top 9 year old and 7 Year old Ezra Kaye won the trophy for 8 and unders.
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