Oppy Open 2024 - 39 optimists
Published 09:30 on 1 Sep 2024
Saturday 31 August saw the return of Spinnaker's annual Optimist Class Open.
21 boats entered the Regatta Fleet and 18 in the Main fleet.
Warmish conditions greeted the fleet who had travelled from many of the South Coast clubs, particularly Lymington, HISC and Parkstone, inland waters including Chipstead and Draycote. Spinnaker values its visitors and thanks to all who made the commitment.
Even at 8 am a steady Northerly was blowing up and down the lake allowing an ideal course to be set with the Committee boat and then the two parallel 'sausage' legs of the courses.
The first race was underway at 1030, and there followed a further 6 in the rapid cycle format of about 20-minute races. Lunch interval was taken between races 4 and 5.
The red inner distance mark at the start line provided lots of fun and games as the fleet jostled for the committee boat end - at least we in the committee boat were not bumped by the fleet!
The sailors took advantage of the first long windward leg, some going left to the shore, some right and some up the middle. All sailors should be congratulated on managing all the pressure changes and shiftiness of the breeze. Particularly noticed was how skilfully the sailors angled the boats downwind.
The onshore supporting entourage had full view of a couple of gybe marks, and it was great fun watching the way the fleet sorted out the lanes into these marks. Plenty of chat - and friendly resolution of the right of way. Well done all for that.
As oft seen at Opens, by the time we got to Race 6 and 7 the Main fleet were champing at the bit and testing the race crew out. This resulted in two general recalls allowing the Regatta fleet into the first beat.
The starting skills of the fleets and how the sailors held stationary position on the line is great to see ensuring the best start possible.
The competitors' fair, fun and fast sailing was a joy to watch. In the Main fleet, Wilbur wins the Perpetual Trophy winner with 9 net points, followed by Samuel, William and Rufus who with wins in races 6 and 7 probably wanted more races! 5 different race winners.
In the Regatta fleet, Finn's 7 wins take the trophy, with William, Evie and Olivia placed at the top. The 21 sailors in this fleet worked really hard all day. Never did your energy levels drop even after all those starts!
The fleet experienced a full sailing day and many thanks to all who played their part. From the Club special thanks to the day's Race team including the Club's Abi, Paul, Nick, Natasha, Mark, John and Robert who must have completed the day's highest step count! Also to the pre-day work of James, Neil and more.
See you in 2025 we hope.
Full results under the Results/ Open tabs.
Photo credit P Gray
Last updated 20:11 on 3 September 2024
