Tough conditions on Day 1 of SA Optimist States and Frostbite Regatta in Goolwa
by Jet Mallinson 9 Jun 2018 15:59 BST
9-10 June 2018
Open and Intermediate fleets struggling with the poor wind © Jet Mallinson
It was a beautiful morning to kick off the first day of the SA Optimist Frostbite Regatta, sponsored by Binks Marine and hosted by the Goolwa Aquatic Club, as nearly 70 boats in the Optimist class took to the water.
This event also coincided with the Musto SA Optimist State Championships, after being cancelled on two occasions earlier in the year bad weather.
The Open, Intermediate and Green fleets completed three races in challenging winds during the morning session, before breaking for lunch, while the afternoon session was cut short due to poor and fickle conditions.
Sailors in the Open and Intermediate fleets were struggling with the lack of wind, however they battled on and still had an enjoyable time on the water.
Mitchell Young from Adelaide Sailing Club was a standout in the Green fleet, winning four out of five races, while Ila Chaplin from Largs Bay Sailing Club also raced well, consistently finishing in the top five.
The Intermediate fleet was led by Fraser Baker from Largs Bay, closely followed by his club-mate Zane Chaplin, both of whom sailed really well in the light conditions.
Austin Higgins from Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club and Tana Deyell, who traveled over from the Royal Brighton Yacht Club in Melbourne, tussled for first position in the Open Fleet with Higgins finishing the day on top.
With one more day of racing left for the regatta, there is sure to be more close racing and a tonne of fun had by all the sailors.
Interview with Holly Groome, Intermediate and Green fleet PRO