Upcoming: Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Champs
The Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA) will begin its’ 2010 National Championships on Friday morning, hoping to complete 15-18 races over the course of the 3 day regatta.
14 year old Sam Stan [pictured] will be defending his Championship title out on the Great Sound, sailing against both local and foreign competition in what lis expected to be about a 35 boat fleet. Local sailors, Antonio Bailey, Rory Caslin, Ellie Wollmann and Chase Cooper will be looking to challenge Stan after their top performances in the RenRe Junior Gold Cup last month.
About 15 foreign sailors from Germany, Swtitzerland, USA and Canada have flown in to compete with our local talent over what looks to be a breezy weekend. Top contenders from overseas include German sailor Marvin Firsch who is the current German and Swiss National Champion. From North America, Jack Parkin will be showing his mettle following victories this year at the New England and Connecticut State Championships. Many of the young sailors spent the Remembrance Day holiday practicing and checking gear prior to the regatta which is hosted by the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC).
A special clinic and regatta for younger, less experienced “Green Fleet” racers is also taking place this weekend at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, run by legendary Green Fleet coach Tom Coleman from the USA. 15 – 20 younger sailors will benefit from morning and afternoon “chalk talks”, demonstrations and drills designed to improve their racing skills. They will be seeking calmer waters in Hamilton Harbour for their regatta and training sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
BODA president Anthony Bailey commended his team made up of of local parents, coaches and the RHADC for “meeting the logistical challenges and significant time demands to make this regatta happen. I thank them and the entire BODA family all the hard work and for welcoming our guests from overseas so warmly.” Mr. Bailey also said that “the wind forecast for the duration of the regatta looks extrememly favourable and should provide the necessary challenge to see that the best sailors rise to the top over the course of the weekend.” Mr . Bailey also thanked sponsors PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Bermuda Container Line for their support. You can follow the regatta at www.BODA.bm .
