Hello Opti
sailors
What an amazing sight
last Saturday…I counted over 30 Optimists on the water, 22 in the Learn to Sail
programme and 10 racing in the open fleet. I understand there were more
sailors than available boats which is a good reason why sailors should now be
looking to get their own boat. With that in mind we have included a new
section below listing boats for sale.
Welcome to those
sailors who have received this newsletter for the first time. We try and
send out a newsletter each week (though sometimes this doesn’t quite happen) to
keep you up to date with WBBC Opti sailing. If you are new to sailing an
Opti and you have any questions about anything please ask. There are lots
of sailors and parents who are very willing to
help.
Well done to William Eastman and Jamie Middleton, two Green fleet sailors
who had some great racing with the Open fleet last Saturday. Jamie
finished second on line and first on handicap in race 1 and William finished
third on line and first on handicap in race 2.
It was great to see so
many new sailors on the water last Saturday. Hopefully the weather
continues to behave and we can continue to get some quality time on the
water…!
This
Weekend
This
weekend is the big one for Opti sailors with the Wellington Junior Champs being
run in conjunction with the Muritai Junior Regatta. This regatta is for
all Optimist sailors in
Everyone
with their own boat should try and get to this regatta. There are always
heaps of spot prizes and prizes for place getters in each
division.
Optisquad
will continue for the Level 1, 2 & 3 sailors who can’t make it to
Muritai.
Next
Weekend
Next
weekend Optisquad for Level 1, 2 & 3 sailors will
continue.
For the
Open fleet it will be series racing; Series 4 race 2 & 3. This was
scheduled for March 3rd with Series 5 race 1 & 2 on the
17th but due to the Opti South Island Champs being held in Picton
over the weekend of 17th & 18th of March we have
brought these Series races forward.
Tuesday
Evenings
Remember
Tuesday evening sailing. These sessions will run most Tuesdays at WBBC
through to April 2007. Typically Tuesday coaching will start @ 4.00pm and
run through to around 6.30pm to 7.00pm.
It is
intended these sessions will run regardless of the weather, with on-shore
activities for those days where sailing is not possible.
Upcoming
Events
February
14th: This is
the second evening of the Twilight Series races to be sailed over the next few
Wednesday evenings. Racing starts at 6.00pm and is open to all
sailors. Let’s aim to get a good fleet of Opti sailors down for
this.
Pre
Nationals Regatta, Napier, February 24th & 25th:
Napier is going to host
a pre Nationals regatta over the weekend of 24th &
25th of February. This will be a good opportunity to sail in
the same water as where the Nationals will be held and to gain some local
knowledge.
Dirty
Dog Regatta,
Optimist
Nationals, Napier, 6th to 10th
April: This event is
for everyone, Open and Green Fleet sailors. While the event obviously has
its competitive aspect, it is also a lot of fun and a great experience.
There are spot prize draws for the sailors every night plus entertainment and
heaps of social time. If you haven’t been to an Opti Nationals yet, give
it a go. Napier is not too far away. It is likely next years
Nationals will be in the
If you
have any questions relating to upcoming events please do not hesitate to contact
Coaching
& Clinics
From time
to time throughout the year there are a number of coaching clinics for Opti
sailors. These are always worth trying to attend as they really help
improve your sailing skills. The clinics can range from one or two hours
through to live in camps.
Tuesday
Afternoons: These sessions will
run most Tuesdays at WBBC through to April 2007. Typically Tuesday
coaching will start @ 4.00pm and run through to around 6.30pm to 7.00pm.
It is intended these sessions will run regardless of the weather, with on-shore
activities for those days where sailing is not
possible.
We will
keep you posted with any other coaching that is available. Remember to
keep an eye on the WBBC web site www.wbbc.wellington.net.nz . It generally
has all the up to date information on events etc both in
Boats
4
Having
your own boat is really important if you want to progress your sailing.
Ideally you need a fibre-glass boat as these are easier to sail, are quicker
than a wooden boat and easier to look after. Generally if you look after
your boat and equipment you will be able to sell your boat at the end of your
Opti sailing for roughly the same price you purchased it for. Here are
some boats we know about.
NZL3527
“Nimbus”
Fibreglass, in good
condition, new beach trailer, 2 sails (both used). Great for a Green fleet
sailor moving up the ranks. $2,300 ono. Don Taylor, 04 384 9923 (Wk), 04 475
4075 (H).
NZL3420
"Jack"
Wooden
Opti in great condition. Perfect for those skippers in their first year of
sailing. Ready to sail with all fixtures, fittings & beach trailer. Can be
sailed at
Ex
Charter
Ex charter boats from
Sail One. Ready to sail, 2 year warranty, registered and measured, Optiparts
Black/Gold rig, One design glass/foam foils, beach trolley, New Windesign race
sail. Contact Keith or Kathie Elliot 0800 724 5663, sailone@sailone.co.nz
Keep an
eye on Trade Me also. Last
time I looked there were quite a few for sail. Here are the links to some
I thought looked worth investigating,
The
Weather
Have you
checked out the WBBC weather cam…?
If you go
to www.wbbc.wellington.net.nz/weather you can get an up to
date picture of what is happening on the water at
Team
Gear
Many of
you will have noticed some sailors wearing the WBBC Race Squad team gear around
the club. This gear (jacket, polar fleece and t-shirt) is available to all
sailors who are regularly racing on Saturday mornings (Green Fleet and Open
Fleet sailors). The gear is owned by WBBC and there is no cost to the
sailors for use of the gear however each sailor is expected to look after the
clothing and return it to the club at the end of the season in good
condition.
If you
would like a set of gear please come and see Jenny de
Lisle.
That’s all
for now.
If you
have any questions about Opti sailing at WBBC please feel free to ring