Volvo Gill Optimist British and Open National Championships - Day 6
by Amy Cada 7 Aug 2014 23:02 BST
2-8 August 2014
Sir Ben Ainslie visits the Volvo Gill Optimist National Championships © ASSF
Sunshine and wind every day of the week has made for one of the best Volvo Gill Optimist British and Open Championships in recent memory, and today [Thursday 7 August] was no different for the Optimist sailors at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
Light wind in the morning averaging 6 to 8 knots gave the advantage to light weight sailors and those that are tactically aware. Around midday, the sea breeze started to fight the gradient wind, which resulted in an hour of waiting until the sea breeze won, giving the Optimist sailors 10 to 12 knots for afternoon racing.
Overall the shift breeze proved challenging for the race organizer and sailors, however both the Senior Fleet (Main) and Junior Fleet (Main) had three races. These were marked by the most start line penalties of the event so far, indicating a rise in competitiveness from the sailors on the penultimate day of the Championships.
Top sailors from abroad continue to dominate the Senior and Junior Fleets (Main), indicating that international countries have chosen to send their very best sailors; a credit to the quality of event that the organizers have put on and a good experience for British sailors. Alexandra Schonrock continues to be the top sailor in either of the Main Fleets, sitting second overall in the Junior Fleet (Main).
'Viking sailors' took over the Regatta Fleet, who had their 'Sail Away' day today, which consisted of a few fun races that did not count towards the overall event scoring. The 'Vikings' sailed to Castle Cove Sailing Club where there were fun and games on the beach before a cracking sail back to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. The Regatta Fleet goes back into regular racing for the final day of the event tomorrow.
After sailing activities saw kids and their friends having a great time and enjoying the camaraderie that sailing is all about.
Sir Ben Ainslie made a special appearance after racing and spent some quality time with the next generation of sailors. After a short talk, the Olympic champion and America's Cup winner, signed everything from t-shirts to Optimist rudders. Excitement in the boat park continued as the sailors took part in a 'fun run' held by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, of which Sir Ben Ainslie is an ambassador.
For full results and more information, visit the official event website:
www.kbsuk.com/optimist/iocaevents/index.asp?EventID=55
(All results are provisional and subject to possible protest.)