Volvo

Senior fleet's Arran Holman

Rutland Sailing Club once again plays host to the last ranking event in the Optimist calendar, which attracts some of the top sailors in the class. The event promises tough competition with 197 competitors set to compete in the main fleet, for those aged 10 to 15 years old and 96 in the Regatta fleet for those aged 8 and over.

“The Optimist is a fantastic boat to start competing in, it’s competitive but fun. I’m really looking forward to heading out on the water on Saturday to watch the racing and offer coaching advice to the young sailors. I started out by sailing the Optimist and I expect there are quite a few sailors out there who will be our next generation of Olympians. ” Said Hannah, who has stormed the 470 class since teaming up with experienced Olympian Saskia Clark seven months ago.

470 Girls, Weymouth and Portland International Regatta 2011

After his victory at the Volvo Gill Optimist National Championships in August, 2010 End of Season Champion and local sailor Arran Holman, 14, will be looking to defend his title but faces strong competition from IOCA World Team Members Milo Gill Taylor, 11, and Joseph Burns, 14 both Spinnaker YC. Challenging the boys will be top British girl at the Nationals, Mimi El-Khazindar and South Staffordshire Sailing Club’s Sarah Norbury, 13.

Top British Girl in the Senior fleet Mimi El-Khazindar

Rising up the ranks in the class are twelve year olds Max Clapp, Royal Southern YC and Huw Edwards Port Dinorwic (Y Felinheli). Competing at this year’s Nationals in the Junior fleet Max narrowly missed out on the top spot by two points and Welsh sailor Huw finished third British boat.

Simon Rogers, IOCA (UK) Chairman looks ahead to the weekend“The Volvo Gill Optimist End of Season Championships are just a day away and with an entry of just over 290 it is set to once again be a fantastic regatta.  The weather is looking like we could have some light airs on Saturday with 20+ knots on Sunday, so there should be conditions to suit everyone competing. The very best of luck for those looking to qualify for winter squads and for those in regatta fleet- I hope you all learn lots on the race course and make some new friends.  Good Luck everyone.”

Check out all the action from the Volvo Gill Optimist Nationals vodcast here

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