Optimist Open and Training at Blackwater Sailing Club

Race start during the Blackwater Optimist Open © Wren Carver

Blackwater Optimist Open © Wren Carver

Sprit Guard of Honour during the Blackwater Optimist Open © Wren Carver

Last weekend a fleet of almost 70 Optimist dinghies descended upon Blackwater Sailing Club, for a full weekend of sailing. The weather gods played in our favour as we hung on to, what still felt like, Summer.

Saturday was a training day with sailors split between seven coaches for some classroom tuition followed by four hours on the water. Drills and mock races put the sailors through their paces, honing skills as well as learning new techniques. This weekend was also a qualifier for 'Team East', the winter training programme that is replacing the RYA run RTG of previous years. Lead coach Bryan Ormond assessed the fleet looking for candidates for the team, which will be announced soon.

The facilities at Blackwater are perfect for allowing sailors of all levels to take part in the proceedings. For those embarking on their sailing journey, the lake was the perfect location. Sailors here took part in games and activities gently coaching them on the water. Sunday they even managed three races which were won overall by Joshua Gillow.

Meanwhile back at the club house, 47 sailors were briefed and put afloat for an afternoon of racing. The threat of thunder storms never materialised and the competitors were met with a perfect light breeze, under cloudy skies. The 16 strong Regatta fleet completed three races on a windward leeward course. The first race was won by West Mersea sailor, Hannah Child. Hannah had a huge lead over the rest of the fleet and secured the first win of the series. However, it was Harriet Fletcher who took wins in the next two races giving her the overall event win. Great sailing from a fleet whom many of which are starting their racing journey.

The Main fleet had 31 sailors vying for a place on the start line. With the full moon providing spring tides, the sailors had to judge the line carefully to cross in a timely fashion. It was local sailor, Callum Marshall who showed a clean pair of heels in race one, but he struggled in the second posting a 10th. It seemed the choppy, light conditions were putting the sailors through their paces and created inconsistency in the results across the fleet. However, Marshall managed a 3rd and 1st place in the remaining two races respectively, giving him the overall Open Meeting title. The talent in the East is strong and fiercely competitive, only four points separated 2nd to 7th place, it was a close run event. Congratulations also go to Monty Levell in 2nd place and Isaac Thomas in 3rd. The weekend closed with the prize-giving and a special 'sprit guard of honour' for Lexa Taylor-Green and Amelie Fairhead who were leaving the class, we wish them luck with their future sailing.

Blackwater Optimist Open - photo © Wren Carver

The East is a thriving hub of Optimist sailors and we delight in creating events to cater for all abilities and ages. This weekend saw GBR squad sailors alongside those new to the sport and learning. It's a great environment to encourage everyone to get out on to the water and take part in the sport with their friends. Thanks go to Jake Fairhead and his team at Blackwater Sailing Club for hosting us this weekend and providing a great platform for learning, competing and most importantly, having fun!

Overall Results:

Main Fleet

Regatta Fleet

Blackwater Optimist Open Prize Giving - photo © Wren Carver