OPTIMIST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Optimist National Championships this year were held in Hobart at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, and the weather always has a sting in it’s tail on the Derwent that tests all sailors!

Five young Maroochy sailors and their parents made the long journey south and were rewarded with a great performance and heaps of experience.

None of our fledging Maroochy Sailors competed in the Open Fleet, but acquitted themselves well in the Lower Divisions.

In the Intermediate Division, MSC’s Huon Jones showed much grit and determination to win two heats and take out the Championship with a good last race, while Michelle Crisp and Felix Bradley had solid mid-fleet results.

Three quite novice sailors competed in the Green Fleet races, with Jack Jones finishing a creditable Fourth, with brother Alby finishing mid-Fleet. (Jack and Alby are no relation to Huon!) Further, Chleo Bradley, a recent tackers Graduate, gained great experience sailing in this Green Fleet.

In all, an incredible effort from 5 young Maroochy Sailors who completed their Tackers Learn-to-Sail program in the last 2 years.

Congratulations to all our young sailors!