Volvo Gill Optimist End of Season Championship at the WPNSA - Preview
by Sophie Sellers 9 Oct 2015 17:00 BST
10-11 October 2015
Racing in the Volvo Gill Optimist British and Open Championship in Weymouth © Martin Allen Photography
Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) look forward to welcoming the Volvo Gill Optimist End of Season Championship this weekend (10th-11th October) where over 230 talented young sailors will be battling it out to claim the title of End of Season Champion.
This year the event will have a special visit from British Sailing Team and Team Volvo sailors Hannah Diamond, John Gimson and Sophie Weguelin. Team Diamond Gimson, who continue preparations for Rio 2016, will spend the weekend in Weymouth and Portland watching the racing and offering the young competitors sailing tips and advice.
"I'm looking forward to the weekend in Weymouth and Portland. I have great memories racing in the Optimist Class; it's perfect for the young sailors who wish to improve their skills and push to compete at a high level", said former Volvo Gill Optimist racer Hannah.10 years on, the competitors look to follow in Hannah's footsteps from grass route to elite sailing success.
WPNSA, host of the London 2012 sailing events, is a fantastic venue to inspire all young sailors at this weekend's third IOCA ranking event for 2015. Easterly winds of 15 knots gusting 19 should set up an exciting weekend of competitive sailing. Results from this crucial event decide what squad, if any, the sailors will go into for the winter.
Battling it out at the top are Vita Matt Beck (Bowmoor), Jamie Cook (Cardiff Bay), Julia Mellers (Chichester YC) and Rhys Lewis (Cardiff Bay) GBR with seven French sailors also in attendance.
The UK's Optimist class, supported jointly by Volvo and Gill, is one of the most popular starter boats and provides young sailors with the opportunity to learn and develop their sailing skills, helping them on their sailing journey.