76 Optimist dinghy sailors registered to compete in the second Travellers Trophy of the Opti season - “TT2” - at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on Sunday 25 August.
The RSYS hosted a terrific and well run regatta, with club parents, connections, youth Laser sailors, and parents of former youth sailors volunteering across the club , from unloading and launching to rescue ribs and BBQs.
Many boats arrived across the Harbour from clubs such as Woollahra, Cranbrook and Hunters Hill, and by road from much clubs as far afield as Connells Point and Georges River. It was all hands on deck to ensure those arrived by road were greeted by a phalanx of helpers on Peel St.
The breakfast bbq fired up early and the coffee aromas streamed out of the clubhouse as sailors and their connections enjoyed the superb sunny conditions. Everything was ready to go after the 10.30 briefing, except one key ingredient - the wind!
By about noon the promised wind finally came in, and all launched without a hitch. The fleet met a very strong southerly and completed the 5 races in Athol Bay in fine style. It did prove a bit strong for the 17 green fleet entries who did launch, but struggled with the conditions and came home early - a bit wet and weary.
Triple-Olympic sailor and RSYS Club Captain Karyn Gojnich, who manned a rescue boat for the day, said "The Intermediate and Open Division sailors did an amazing job demonstrating their skills in the challenging conditions. Breeze was from the south, south east fluctuating from 12 to 18 knots, at times gusting to 22-23 knots"
Results were as follows:
Open Fleet
- 1st Austin Cross
- 2nd Stella Hurley
- 3rd Ben Crawford
Top Girl: Stella Hurley & Winner of the NSWIODA Perpetual Encouragement Award
- Top 10 year old: Healy Ryan
- Top 11 year old: Jago Tucker
Intermediate Fleet
- 1st Will Wilkinson
- 2nd Miles Green
- 3rd Andrew Floro
1st Girl: Julia Pearce
Green Fleet: were all winners with their energy and joy despite some strong wind (and some capsizing). Congratulations to all those first regatta kids!
Here is a link to a video created on the day by Tilly Lock:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=492411821576961
