The IOCA UK Optimist Spring Championships were held over the weekend of March 14th and 15th, hosted by Draycote Sailing Club with 171 Optimists travelling to compete from all over the country. The venue had light breezes and sunshine on day 1 followed by gusty conditions on day 2 keeping sailors on their toes.
A Main Fleet of 121 boats with Ian Bullock heading the race committee completed 3 races over the first day in light and shifty conditions. On Saturday the lead was with Theo Fox, but a change in conditions and a discard led to movement on the leader board as the wind with strong gusts shifted positions on day 2. After a long and challenging second day Patrick Di Salle took first place with 1, 1, 2 in the three races, Jonny Rogers 2nd, Laszlo Drummond 3rd, First girl Chloe Davis (11th), first 12yr old Theo Fox (26th), first 11 yr old James Lawrence (37th) and first 10yr old Archie Dowling (58th).
Regatta Fleet had 30 entries for the weekend, and the race committee led by George Atwell ensured 6 races were successfully completed by the fleet. Four races were held in lighter breeze on Saturday, and two more in the stronger winds on Sunday so sailors were tested across a range of conditions. Well done to Bear Grube who took 1st place, Luke Robinson 2nd, and Skye Lynch 3rd overall.
The Coached Regatta fleet included an impressive 20 sailors and combined training and racing, led by Coach Lola Andrews they completed 4 races on Saturday. Those feeling confident to brave the wind on day 2 enjoyed some fast reaching and a few capsizes! Congratulations to 1st place Fletcher Sheehy, 2nd Summer Campbell-James, and 3rd Grace Anderson.
Thank you to Draycote Sailing Club for hosting the Championships with excellent facilities, the Race Committees for their knowledge and great racing over the weekend ensuring everyone had fun and competitive racing across the range of conditions, the organising committee, parents and sailors.
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