After a six-year absence it was excellent to see the Optimist fleet back at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club (DRSC) for the 2023 IOCA Gill Early Summer Championships on 13-14 May 2023.
Seventy-four sailors arrived from around the UK, with some travelling from as far north as Aberdeen and as far south as Dorset. For those who arrived late and spent a night under canvas at the club, the bright sunshine and fine scenery on Saturday morning was a rewarding sight. An hour's postponement while the wind filled in gave everyone time to rig, catch up with friends and grab a bacon sandwich from the galley.
With a light south easterly breeze, PRO Imogen Gibb led her race team towards the dam and set a course with an outer loop for Main Fleet and a shorter inner loop for the Intermediate Fleet.
On Sunday the wind had moved to West and built a little. Main and Intermediate Fleet headed down to the dam and found a nice breeze, which rewarded those who could read the shifts and make good decisions. Will Moss had a great weekend, went on to win two more races on the Sunday and the regatta overall. Freya Hutchinson sailed consistently all weekend, finishing first girl and 6th overall.
Intermediate Fleet came in after three good races and Main Fleet stayed out longer for a fourth, completing a six-race series. Calum again set the Regatta Fleet race course on the water in front of the club giving parents a great view of the racing from the balcony - another six races completing a 12-race series. Full results are available via links on the Class racing calendar: www.optimist.org.uk/racing/events-calendar
The Club were very generous hosts, with a galley serving breakfast rolls and lunches, plenty of hard standing for campervans and a huge field for camping making life very easy for those who chose to stay on site. Many people commented how nice it was for the Class to hold a summer event where families were able to camp at the club and the relaxed feel that gave to the weekend. The fine, early summer weather certainly helped, and families were able to barbecue food, have a drink in the bar while the children hung out or played together in the grounds of the club.
We are looking forward to the IOCA Late Summer Championships at Pwllheli, on 9-10 September 2023, which with sea sailing off the beach and plenty of space to camp on site we expect will be another excellent event.
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