HISC Optimist Easter Race Camp 2026
by Melvyn Cooper 3 Apr 10:12 BST
31 March - 2 April 2026
HISC Optimist Easter Race Camp 2026 © Melvyn Cooper
Set against the picturesque backdrop of England's south coast, Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC) hosted its annual Optimist Easter Race Camp from 31st March to 2nd April 2026.
Participation and Conditions
Thirteen enthusiastic Optimist sailors took to the water each day, enjoying almost perfect sailing conditions. The sessions took place over high water on West Mud, offering ideal opportunities for helming development and gaining new race knowledge.
Coaching and Training Programme
Under the guidance of RYA Race Coach Melvyn Cooper, together with Annie Hammett and Ameilia Ripley, the camp delivered a comprehensive training programme. Sailors focused on enhancing their existing Optimist boat handling skills, refining start line techniques, mastering first beat tactics and strategy, understanding race rules, improving downwind techniques, and perfecting leeward mark approaches. The training culminated in a three-race series on the final day, giving participants a chance to apply their new skills in a competitive setting.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | 4468 | Summer Campbell James | 2 | 3 | 6 | 11 |
| 2 | 6439 | Charlotte O'Keeffe | 6 | 5 | 1 | 12 |
| 3 | 6461 | Amina Melhem | 3 | 7 | 2 | 12 |
| 4 | 6627 | Freddie Wilder | 1 | 9 | 4 | 14 |
| 5 | 1013 | Lyra Halliwell | 10 | 2 | 5 | 17 |
| 6 | 4581 | Molly Wincer | 11 | 4 | 7 | 22 |
| 7 | 5229 | Jack Bingham | 5 | 10 | 8 | 23 |
| 8 | 4973 | Summer Greenland | 4 | 13 | 9 | 26 |
| 9 | 6472 | Eloise Clifton | 7 | 8 | 11 | 26 |
| 10 | 4947 | William O'Keeffe | 12 | 1 | 13 | 26 |
| 11 | 5985 | Eleanor Merron | 13 | 11 | 3 | 27 |
| 12 | 6482 | Pheobe Clifton | 9 | 6 | 12 | 27 |
| 13 | 5564 | Wilfred Wareham | 8 | 12 | 10 | 30 |
Feedback from Parents
The camp received very positive feedback from parents. John Clifton commented, "Wonderful week of sailing, awesome to see so much improvement. Big thanks coaches Melvyn, Ameilia and Annie." Jody Wincer echoed these sentiments, saying, "Such a great start to the season. Molly loved it so thank you guys."
Looking Forward
The club eagerly anticipates welcoming even more young sailors to HISC Youth Racing and watching them thrive on the water. Melvyn Cooper highlighted, "Easter School holidays is perfect timing to kick start the sailing season producing wonderful memories of sailing achievements, race successes, and new friendships. It's about having fun and keeping sailors wanting more. I think we succeeded."