Optimist Open 2025
Published 10:10 on 31 Aug 2025
After a week where finally rain has been seen, and towards the tail end of some Summer storms, no one knew quite how conditions would settle for the annual event at the Spinnaker Lake.
9 entrants made the start line for the Main Fleet, and 12 for the Regatta fleet. Travellers from as far as Draycote, Northampton and Hollowell, as well as more local from the South Coast including Parkstone, Warsash, Lymington and Netley travelled and were welcomed to the Club.
At 0900 the lake was almost flat calm the sun was out and it was warm..by the briefing at 10 it was clear that a gradient breeze was filling in at 10 knots plus and the skies were greying up. The fleets were set a rectangular course giving them a true beat to the first mark and a run with choice of how many gybes to fit in.
The assembled parents and carers had a grandstand view of the racetrack. Not quite the speeds of Portsmouth GP racing this year, although approaching at times which is impressive in an Oppy, but a rare opportunity to see all the this racing close up.
The pre lunch races were completed with relative ease. All competitors fought hard, started in true Open meeting style and jostled there way up and down the beat for 2 laps. After 4 approximately 20 minute races they returned for a shore break and much needed nourishment.
Over lunch it became clear that the breeze was stiffening. As often seen the Main fleet started to tax the starting monitors with more assertive positioning on the line, to the extent that the General Recall flag was unfurled and the Regatta fleet got away up the beat first!. All sailors should be commended on their skills. With the breeze on, at times there was much bailing, capsize recovery, shore stops and full on gybes. The beat upwind showed crews fully hiked out to maintain a level and FAST boat.
After 6 races and a depleting fleet the Regatta fleet came ashore whilst the Main undertook one more.
Ashore at 3 pm, that's a lot of racing and presumably tired limbs and exhausted supporters!. To wrap up a prize giving was held to recognise the contribution of all, and the podiums of Finn, Freddie, EJ and Will (Main fleet), and Tom, Bear, Clemmie and Dexter (Regatta). Improvement and Courage prizes too, It is great to see the returning sailors, and in particular noted that Finn took the lovely Main Fleet trophy in 2025 following the Regatta Trophy in 2024.
Many thanks to all at Spinnaker SC including the awesome safety crews of Paul/ Eva, Lindsay/ Mark, Graham/Samuel and as always Neil from the Club. In the hut John and Robert. Results are available on the tab. We hope to see you in 2026!
Photo credit G Stones
Last updated 10:20 on 31 August 2025
