Optimist Midland Area Championship at South Staffordshire Sailing Club

Optimist Midland Area Championship at South Staffs © Debbie Smith

The Optimist Midland Area Championships were held at South Staffs Sailing Club on 5th September. This was the first open meeting since racing restarted at South Staffs and the first this year for the Optimist fleet in the Midlands.

The shifty and gusty conditions at South Staffs would test both the fitness and focus of the youngsters after six months away from school with very little competitive sailing. Following a video briefing on the Friday night, race officer Andy Hateley got things off to a prompt start on the Saturday morning.

The first race saw Tom Kelsall navigating expertly through the conditions to take the win with Sebastian Smith also putting in a great sail only to find he had been spotted over the line at the start by the race officer. With Judge Bill Bradburn and RYA Coach Steph Harding on the water observing, the competitors benefited from some rules advice between races to continue their development.

Race 2 saw Derin Can Soyer and Theo Smith extending a lead away from the pack. Tom Kelsall, having been over the line at the start, ducked back and then displayed great speed to catch up to 4th place by the finish.

The fleet returned to shore for a brief, socially distanced, packed lunch. Scores were incredibly close with everything to play for in the afternoon races.

The third race saw many of the eager fleet over the line triggering a general recall. Tom Kelsall led the race from the second start only to find the eagle eyed race officer had spotted him over the line again.

The final race saw the fleet staying in a close pack until a couple of wind shifts at the penultimate windward mark decided the finishing positions.

Optimist Midland Area Championship at South Staffs - photo © Debbie Smith

Congratulations to Derin Can Soyer who retained the Midland Area Champion title. Junior champion was Will Moss. "Rising Star" prizes were presented to Tristan Shaw and Sammy Clarke, the first two sailors who have not previously been members of RYA or Class Association training squads. The Endeavour Trophy was presented to one of the youngest sailors, William Shaw, who showed great determination when he capsized in the first race but bailed his boat out and carried on to finish the race.

The points overall were incredibly close - testament to how competitive the Optimist fleet in the Midlands are. It was great to also see many young sailors having a go in the challenging conditions making this one of the best turnouts for several years at an Optimist open meeting in the Midlands despite everything.

Thanks to all the volunteers at South Staffs Sailing Club, many of whom were not present on the day, who contributed to running safe and COVID-secure racing for the Midlands youngsters.

Optimist Midland Area Championship at South Staffs - photo © Debbie Smith

Overall Results: