Sailing: Bailey Wins Spring Opti Series
While the first Newport Bermuda Race entries entered the Great Sound on their way to Hamilton from the finish line at St. David’s, they couldn’t help but notice a group of Opti’s battling it out in the rainy weather near Watford Bridge.
This past weekend the BODA sailors were completing the final races of the Spring Series and starting the initial stage of the North American Championship (Optinam) trials.
At the end of the weekend Antonio Bailey was the clear winner of the Gold Fleet Spring Series with 39 points. Mikey Wollmann sailed well this spring and was second with 51 points, followed by Chase Cooper with 61 points.
Rounding the top five was Rory Caslin with 64 points and Ceci Wollmann with 79 points. Silver fleet racing this weekend was not part of the Spring Series so the last weekend’s results stood as final.
Flo Nicholls took the top spot uncontested, followed by Grace Reeves in second and Tate Stefaniuk in third place. The series was hosted by the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club and sponsored by the Todd Family Trust.
This weekend’s racing was also Part 1 of the Optinam trials which will result in the Bermuda team selection for the North American Championship this October to be held in Mexico. After six races only seven points separate the top five which consists of Mikey Wollmann, Antonio Bailey, Chase Cooper, Campbell Patton and Benn Smith. The trails will take a break for the summer and commence again in the Fall with ten races scheduled in September.
- Photo above shows RHADC Rear Commodore Neil Redburn presenting Antonio Bailey with his series victory.
