Sailing: Amlin Series Day #3 Report
As the Professional sailors for the 2012 Argo Gold Cup arrived at RBYC from various corners of the World this Sunday, they were met with the sight of 35 enthusiastic Optimist sailors competing in the Amlin Autumn Series.
The RBYC Optimist dock was buzzing with excitement as the sailors left for their afternoon racing. This time they were joined by 6 Champion Optimist sailors from overseas, here a little early for some ever important practice ahead of the Junior Gold Cup.
The Bermuda sailors were not put off by the experienced sailors and in particular Ceci Wollmann excelled in the blustery conditions to win the day.
Not only that but two of Bermuda’s youngest talents shone through the quality field, 11 year old Cambpell Patton finished the day 2nd BER sailor in 4th overall with fellow RBYC Sailing Academy racer Matilda Nicholls 3rd BER sailor in 7th place overall.
Silver Fleet dinner of the 3rd day, 12 year old Charis Todd:
This form bodes well for the Bermuda Optimist sailors ahead of the Junior Gold Cup especially as just a few points behind them were Chase Cooper, Peter Dill, Mikey Wollmann and Benn Smith, all mixing it very competently with the overseas champions.
RBYC Sailing Academy Director Tom Herbert-Evans saidf after the race day “I am thrilled to see the young Bermuda sailors competing so well with the very skilled sailors. It will give the BER Team a real confidence boost ahead of next week’s regatta that fact that many of our sailors can put in good performances like that”.
The RBYC veteran coach Paul Doughty is looking forward to helping the overseas visitors this week, he has traditionally been their Coach when they come to Bermuda and his experience and knowledge of the Island is always a great help to them. “The forecast for the week ahead is a little lighter than 2011 and it will be more leveling for our sailors to hopefully pull a few surprises.
Rear Commodore of Sailing at RBYC Leatrice Roman was the Race Officer for the day, she was assisted by a strong team of volunteers which included Commodore Jonathan Brewin, “It took me back to the good old days when my girls were Optimist sailors, the RBYC Coaches are doing a fantastic job encouraging all these sailors”.
3rd Overall in Gold Fleet 10 year old Matilda Nicholls:
With better breeze than the week prior, the Fleets were a little over-enthusiastic for the first few starts, the races having to be recalled on a number of occasions. But once away, the sailors enjoyed 4 highly competitive races.
Good sportsmanship and impecible manners were also witnessed by the RBYC Flag Officers as the kids went about their racing. Rear Commodore Roman said “I have had a spectacular day today, these kids realy do know what they are doing, it was a joy to be a part of their day.”
With scores of 1st, 5th, 3rd and 1st, Ceci Wollmann had a healthy lead foor the day in the Gold Fleet ahead of Justin Vittecoq (Canada) and Pedro Zonta (Brazil). Campbell Patton scored 4th, 12th, 5th and 3rd to stay ahead of Swiss Champion Damian Suri and Finnish Champion Jacob von Koskull.
10 year old Matilda Nicholls was just 1 point behind scoring 3rd, 14th, 6th and 6th. The Silver Fleet was led all day by an impressive performance from 12 year old Charis Todd who completed all 4 races in 1st place.
Gold Fleet:- Tre Maxwell [12] working hard to catch Grace Reeves [10]:
She was followed by Izzy Dutranoit and Luke Madeiros. Of particular note was the performance of 7 year old Fiachra Geraghty-McDonnell who showed a number of visiting sailors and parents just how young and talented these Bermuda sailors are.
The Amlin Series scores remain very close at the top; Ceci has moved into 1st Overall ahead of brother Mikey. In 3rd place is Matilda Nichools ahead of CHase Cooper and Campbell Patton.
The Silver Fleet is led by Luke Madeiros, with Christopher Adderly and Micah Thomas-Raynor in close contention. The Series take a 2 week break now while the Junior Gold Cup sailors are challenged by the 16 visiting Champions from around the globe.
Amlin Autumn Series 2012 30th Sept Day Results, click ‘Full Screen’ for greater clarity:
Keep up the good work Tre’! Stay Focused