Let's do it again – team racing a hit at Canadian nationals

by Linda MacDonald on 27 Aug 2010 12 year old Julien Brunet of Lachine, Quebec can't wait to repeat the experience of team racing. 'We had code words and sacrifice, 'players' and those chosen to 'go for the wind', we worked together and it was great fun.' Julien and his teammates were happy to hear that their coaches are already planning to add team racing to their 5 provincial Opti challenges in the coming year.

The Purple Monkey, a team made up of PCYC and RCYC sailors, and LOOT took second and first place respectively. They beat out 10 other teams from across Canada, the United States, Bermuda and France over the course of 25 races run based on a 16 team double knock out schedule. Good show for their first time out as teams.

The introduction of team racing at the Canadian nationals seemed to be a hit with the sailors, judges, race committee and spectators in attendance at the RHYC. PRO Irene McNeill said 'the young sailors are very excited'. And, the PRO continued 'What I like about team racing is that there is a higher number of winners for each race' and 'the Opti sailors get to work on their boat handling skills and develop a strong knowledge of the rules and communication'. We should expect to see team racing at future Canadian Optimist Championships.

2010 Optimist Canadian Championships Standings

(After 8 of 16 races)

1. Meredith Megarry, LOOT (ON, CAN)
2. Max Flinn, COAST/CYC (NS, CAN)
3. Ceci Wollmann, RHADC/TG (BER)

For results go to www.opti2010.ca