Volvo Gill Optimist British Open and National Championship - Overall
by Sarah Alexander 4 Aug 2013 21:49 BST
27 July - 2 August 2013
The 52nd Optimist National Championship winner crowned in Largs
The Volvo Gill Optimist British Open and National Championship came to a close on Friday 2nd August after a week of fantastic sailing in a real mixture of conditions. The week started light, with the strong wind being saved for the final day on the water meaning only one race each for the main 'Junior' and 'Senior' fleets.
After 12 races of consistent sailing, GBR World Squad member Milo Gill Taylor, 13, (Spinnaker Sailing Club) took this year's Volvo Gill Optimist National Champion title after claiming an impressive four 1st place finishes throughout the week. 'It feels amazing to win, there was a patch in the middle of the week that was pretty nerve racking, I could not afford another bad result so I had to make sure I sailed the best I could. But it's been a great week of racing in Largs!' said Milo reflecting back on the Championships.
Top girl was awarded to Hattie Rogers, 13, (Royal Lymington Yacht Club) who finished in 7th place overall 'the start of the week was very good but I didn't have a great day yesterday. But, it really feels incredible to be top girl and hopefully I can build on this next year.'
After a successful week including a string of first place finishes, Vita Heathcote, 12, (Royal Lymington Yacht Club) secured the 'Junior' fleet title. Vita explains 'Today was tougher than all the other days because we had to hike all the time, but it was fun because of the waves! The week was really good and the competition was great! Winning the 'Junior' fleet now is fantastic because it is my last year in the fleet and it is nice to have something really special to remember it by!' Drew Gibbons (Redesmere Sailing Club), took the National Regatta fleet title this week after showcasing top talent and sailing consistently in all his nine races.
The week's event also saw a visit from Scotland's double gold Olympic medallist, Shirley Robertson who summarised the week as being 'a highly impressive display of skill from all the sailors.'
Simon Rogers, IOCA (UK) Chairman rounded up the week 'we've seen all sorts of weather conditions throughout the week from 3 to 32 knots that has really tested the fleet. This has been one of our most successful National Championships as our Champions are well proven, having to be able to sail in all conditions. It's not been an easy feat for them and it really has been right down to the wire. In terms of the overall event the atmosphere has been great and the club has been fantastic and everyone has gone away very very happy!
The Optimist class is widely seen as the first competitive steps for many future Olympians, notable names who started their sailing career in Optimists include four times Olympic Gold Medallist Ben Ainslie and Olympic Silver Medallists Luke Patience, Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills.
This is the second annual event of the year that Volvo and Gill jointly sponsor, with the third being the Volvo Gill Optimist End of Season Championship, taking place at Grafham Water Sailing Club, 12th and 13th October 2013.
For full results visit www.kbsuk.com/optimist/iocaevents/index.asp?EventID=45.
If you finished in the top ten at the Optimist nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here