Oppie Camp at Bowmoor Sailing Club
by Simon Hiscocks 6 Jun 2018 10:53 BST
30 May - 1 June 2018
Bowmoor Oppie Camp © Bowmoor SC
A record number of families took part in this year's legendary Bowmoor Sailing Club "Oppie camp", with 80+ children sailing a variety of youth and junior boats over three days of coaching, racing and fun.
Situated in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park, an unassuming small lake is home to one of the most successful sailing clubs in the country. Inside an equally unassuming agricultural building is a clubhouse hiding any pretensions but full of the energy and enthusiasm characteristic of ex-Royal Air Force personnel.
The club's catchment area includes several RAF bases, which provide not only a free annual air show but also the odd bout of noise and visual wonderment as their daily activity adds to the vibe.
This down to earth and matter-of-fact atmosphere pervades into an active club with a vibrant youth and junior section. The annual "Oppie camp" has grown year on year with a history that includes numerous Olympians and well-known faces. Some such as the Irish family, with Steve coaching the top group, are now returning with their own offspring, adding to the family atmosphere.
The name is not quite what it says on the tin; there are a few exceptions who might not spend their sleep time inside a tent, and it isn't restricted to Oppies only. The club has an active Aero fleet, whose growing youth section is taking on an equally popular Byte fleet, along with a spattering of Teras, Fevas and any other craft that the kids might bring along.
They were expertly split into ability groups by event organiser Rachael Jenkins, who although never an RAF type, likewise has the energy, patience and enthusiasm to keep the complexities of camp life running smoothly, while former wing commander Commodore John 'biggles' Banbrook leads the proceedings "front of house" with the precision you might expect.
Each group has a lead coach with various parent volunteers to assist, the kids are happy from day one and it is quickly apparent that although there is much fun to be had - read as much time in the water as on it - the kids take more from the sailing time than might be expected, as evidenced by genuine boos when the last day of the camp racing programme is unfortunately cancelled from a lack of wind - albeit with big smiles still as the afternoon wraps up with some in-the-lake team games to keep them busy to the very end.
The club owns the water and surrounding land, leading to a flexible approach using both. Unlike some well-known water board owned reservoirs, there are no distinctions made between sailing, paddle craft, kayaks, windsurfers or swimming - the kids tried the lot. Plus archery on the field and even sewing a contribution each for a new Bowmoor collage. With a club house located just meters from the water's edge, it is a safe environment. Noise level from the water continues to the 21.00 curfew, which is kept to without fuss by all the kids.
Starting on Wednesday morning, by Friday afternoon most are ready for the end-of-camp points tally and a prize giving, having already been inspired by a flying visit from Olympic medalist, Volvo Ocean Race winner and RYA Director of Racing Ian Walker, who regaled 81 pairs of sharp eyes and ears with his 25-plus years of sailing history. Most are ready to go home armed with bags full of goodies from Rooster, Force 4 Chandlery, Noble Marine, RS Sailing and the local sweet shop.
Those really keen stay on for the Optimist Open and Yoo Youth Regatta on the Saturday - a quick look on the trophy reveals a long list of Olympic and America's Cup heroes. Ask Pat and Stan, the local galley team, of their claim to fame, and they are quick to answer serving sausage and chips to a young Ben Ainslie.
Pity the school teachers who have to deal with this bunch of kids on their return to school. For sure their life experiences are well enriched, refreshed or shattered - this is a half term with a capital F.