SW Optimist Zone Squad Indicator Event at Bowmoor Sailing Club

SW Optimist Zone Squad Indicator Event at Bowmoor Sailing Club © John Banbrook

South West Optimist Zone Squad Indicator Event and Bowmoor Optimist Open

This weekend Bowmoor hosted the South West indicator event for those young sailors hoping for a place in Zone Squad together with the Bowmoor Optimist Open. On Saturday 36 sailors enjoyed excellent sailing conditions with a warm 15-20kt South Westerly breeze and plenty of sunshine.

James Grant, the lead coach for the South West region put 12 aspiring sailors through their paces whilst John Burford from Fowey in Cornwall delivered a tough coaching session to a group of sailors who have finished squad or not currently able to participate.

There was also a Regatta Fleet coaching session ably delivered by Chris Jenkins with the support of 4 of our newly trained assistant instructors. The day finished with a BBQ and an excellent social evening with a good many of the sailors and parents staying on site.

On Sunday, the sailors where presented with significantly less wind shifting frequently from East to South East and back again. This provided challenging conditions for both our Race Officer, Jay Williamson and our 33 young sailors; 23 in Main Fleet and 9 in Regatta Fleet. Both fleets completed 4 races with a break after 2 for a Pat and Stan lunch.

After a delayed first race to allow the Race Team to re-set the course, both fleets made a clean start. Matt Beck from Bowmoor took the first race from his fellow National Squad member and last years winner, Drew Wright (Chelmarsh). Toby Banbrook sailing in his first Main Fleet event beat his older brother Matthew to 5th place to set the challenge for the rest of the day!

Matt Beck went on to win the next 2 races to claim the title from Drew who won the last race to comfortably take second place. Matt Banbrook had a better afternoon posting a second in race 3 and a third in race 4 to finish 4th overall. He was pipped by Rufus Martin from Restronguet who sailed a very consistent card with 3 forth places and a second to finish with. Toby finished 6th overall - a very credible performance and giving Bowmoor 3 finishers in the top 6.

In Regatta Fleet, Sophie Van Thiel sailed extremely well to record 4 straight wins. Second was taken by Archie Robertson with his brother Louis in third place. Kieron Cooke won the prize for the youngest sailor and first Optibat!

A great weekend was had by all. The Optimist Flotilla would like to thank Club Members for giving-up their Club for the weekend. The event was very well received and attracted sailors from as far afield as Cornwall, Exeter and Poole.

Best wishes to all sailors for the upcoming South West Zone Championships at Weymouth on 26th and 27th September and the End of Season Championships, also at Weymouth next month.

Main Fleet Results:

Regatta Fleet Results: