Hurricane Katy meets Optimists at Braasemermeer

Optimists Fleet

A fleet of 240 sailors entered the Optimists Braassemermeer Regatta in The Nederland’s. Alan Williams was the lead GBR coach supported by three more coaches. There were other ribs on hand to support Development Squad and other GB sailors. Alan Williams had briefed sailors and parents not to allow activities which might lead to injury. The girls behaved impeccably. The boys played rugby!

Archie Leckie and Harvey Leigh entered from LLSC.

Racing

On day one and two the 240 sailors sailed int 4 fleets and enjoyed great sailing in near perfect conditions. On day three and after some technical issues the sailors were re-flighted into Gold, Silver and Bronze. Sailing resumed in increasingly stronger winds. Racing was abandoned due to huge gusts just after the gold fleet had crossed the finish line near the club house. The silver fleet were following, just completing their first beat and were told to head the short distance to the clubhouse. Lots of capsizing. The bronze fleet hadn’t started yet and after the abandonment had a mile long beat to get back. It was a great effort from them in what was really unsailable conditions.

In the afternoon and it was a brave call to send the Gold and Silver fleet onto the water in tough conditions. The wind was still increasing at the end of racing. Wheels were removed from launching trailers and boats had to be tied down to prevent them taking off. Hurricane Katy had arrived with 60mph gusts and so no sailing on day 4.

Congratulations to Julia Mellers, Jamie Cook, Archie Leckie, Ellen Main and Cossie Lewis who have top five GBR honours, Harvey Leigh, Nicklas Host-Verbraak and Tobias Schonrock for top three in the Juniors. Well done to Fergus Fox collecting a prize for winning the silver fleet.

Squad or no squad I would whole heartedly recommend attending the event but preferably without the hurricane.

From IOCA Newsletter.