Hong Kong Optimist Nationals at Hebe Haven Yacht Club

Hong Kong Optimist Nationals © Yann Vincent

Hong Kong Optimist Nationals © Yann Vincent

Members of Malaysia’s National team dominated in all but one race across the three-day Far East Boats Hong Kong Optimist Nationals held from October 1 to 4. 13 year old World Number 2 Optimist sailor Mohammad Faizal B Norizan capturing the top spot overall, while 14 year old Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s Cosmas Grelon took the top Hong Kong spot to win the title of National Champion.

Nearly 60 boats launched from Hebe Haven’s facility located in Hong Kong’s Eastern New Territories, while racing took place in nearby Port Shelter across varied conditions. The first three races took place on China’s National Day on October 1st to light winds. The first race on Day 2 (October 3rd) saw boats float to a finish as winds died, but picked up slightly for races 5 and 6. The weather gods provided sailors with fresh winds blowing up to 10 knots for the last day of races.

The event was also buoyed by the presence of young sailors from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the Aberdeen Boat Club, the Hong Kong Sea School and The Hong Kong Sailing Federation’s Sail Training Association. Many of the junior sailors were recognised for their efforts with awards that included a novice category for those who have never sailed outside of their clubs in the past, and the inclusion of “Most Improved” and “Best Effort” categories. Competitions were also held for classes for children between 13-15, the under 12s and the under 10s.

“In the four years that we’ve been holding the Hong Kong Optimist Nationals This is the first time the Hong Kong Nationals has taken place with a truly international cast of participants which have included sailors from Malaysia, Thailand and India,” said Hong Kong Optimist Dinghy Association (HKODA) President Charlie Manzoni. “This event can only go from strength to strength, and we look forward to more international participation next year.”

“This was an especially important event for many of Hong Kong’s young sailors, because it was the first time they sailed in a truly international regatta, with an international judge and jury that ensured there was fair play on the water,” Hebe Haven Commodre and Race Officer Mark Houghton said. “It was very inspiring to see so many optimists out on the water this past weekend. The competency and professionalism of these young sailors is incredible to see, and their coaches and teachers are to be commended.”

Far East Boats group president Demolar Du said her company was pleased to support the event. “We are very happy to see interest in the Optimist class grow in Hong Kong, and hope this will continue to grow in the years to come.”

Malaysia’s team members have dominated international Optimist sailing events this past year, winning top spots at the Singapore Nationals in June, as well as during the World Optimist Championships in Rio de Janiero in August. Since the Nationals began in 2005, all but one of the Hong Kong Nationals champions are protégés of Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s racing coach Marek Nostitz-Jackowski, who worked with the Polish Laser Sailing Dinghy Squad in the run up to the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Optimist Nationals are held every year in many parts of Asia, in countries such as China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The top children from these competitions usually represent their countries in the IODA World Optimist Championship, considered to be the “World Cup” of youth sailing, for children 15 and under. A team composed of 4 boys and one girl represented HKODA at this year’s Championships (for the first time), which were held in Niteroi, Brazil.

The Far East Boats Hong Kong Optimist Nationals is sponsored by California Sunshine Fresh Milk, Kit Kat, Milo, Mountain Dew, Pocari and Tropicana.

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