Optimist at HISC

Contact: Alex Browne - optimistcaptain@hisc.co.uk

Please ask your Class Captain if you would like to be added to the Class WhatsApp Group

The Opi fleet has gone from strength to strength again this year and the number of regular sailors has gone through the roof. We had 53 boats signed up for Winter Training.

There is now a clear training structure in place for the Opis. The entry level consists of RYA courses run by the club and the ever-popular Red Ribbon confidence building course run over 4 weekends. For those that then feel ready to race we now provide Bronze, Silver and Gold level race coaching. This will take the children from getting around their first triangle all the way to preparation for international regattas.

In the last few years we have seen the benefits of this program, with many children going on to secure British Squad places and a number going on the represent GBR at a variety of international events. We even had one boy selected to go the World Championships in Turkey!

The club ran an excellent youth week again this year with things getting back to normal after covid. The Optimist Open was an IOCA event this year and we saw 140 youngest enjoying both Hayling Bay and the Harbour with the club laying on an excellent BBQ and party in the evening.

2024 promises to be a real cracker! We will be running our Sunday racing and a full Sprints program and youth sailing week in August. We will continue to run the nippers entry level race program on Sunday mornings which was such a success last year and there is plenty organised for the younger and newer sailors. The Optimist Open is on the 8th-9th June with racing for all levels of sailor. Various dates have been announced for the bronze training that will again be run by Melvyn Cooper Sailing, so please contact him if you are interested in that.

I’d like to say a huge thanks to the club for being so supportive of the fleet, as ever. Also to the parent’s assistance in creating the opportunity for some great sailing and meeting some super cool new friends. If anyone has any ideas or questions I’m generally to be found on the main beach so grab me.