Mark Lance (Ella’s Dad) and myself (Joshua’s Dad) have taken on co-ordinating the Bewl Optimist fleet. Although new to the world of Optimists we are hoping to re-invigorate the squad, develop bespoke Oppy training, inter-club training/racing and provide support to attend external competitions / events. As I am sure you know Optimists have been proven to be a key breeding ground of the GBR sailing team with amongst others Ben Ainsle being the 1992 National Champion and more recently Hannah Mills in 2002. As such we are keen to build up again a strong and robust Optimist fleet that provides fun sailing for young sailors and a solid platform to move into other boat classes. Not many years ago Bewl had the best optimist fleet in the country with 5 sailors in the top 10 and a regular racing fleet of more than 40 boats.
We are in the process of asking for feedback on what people want from the Oppy Squad before announcing a programme. IOCA (International Optimist Class Association) have offered support including the loan of boats for IOCA training sessions to get the squad going. As a member of BVSC it is free to join the Oppy Squad and we will look to minimise any additional costs of optional training, events, etc.. Jonny Moss has kindly agreed to help with training via the club where possible.
Please email Mark ([email protected] or me ([email protected]) if you are interested in joining the squad or would like further details.
To sign up for Optimist Squad Saturday Sessions and coaching over half-term and Easter please click here
Congratulations to Oli Hill on being selected for the National Squad … a massive achievement. Oli has kindly agreed to be Captain of the Bewl Oppy Squad for the 2012/13 season. We also have 3 current club members in the SE Zone Squad – well done Hatty Cage, Lauren Discombe and Joshua Davies; as well as recent club member Freya Black. Also congratulations to Freya and Hatty on coming 3rd in IAPS Inland Sailing Regatta November 2012.
Finally, we have prepared a Bewl Optimist calendar (see enclosed) to help you plan your season. It is naturally a work in progress as IOCA & BVSC confirm their calendars. Any additions / comments gratefully received. For those of you new to Optimists Mark or I can take you through the different components as it has been a minefield for us over the last few months!
Many thanks for your support in getting the Bewl Oppy fleet going again,
Tim Davies