The IODA World Championships in Vilamoura, Portugal has come to an end. All NZIODA sailors can be very proud of this year's Worlds Team. The team result improving on the past three years performance -certainly a step in the right direction. It has been a difficult regatta, consisting of a 0-5 knot qualifying series, followed by a final series between 5-15 knots. This regatta is another reminder of the importance of training and racing in light winds. I can speak on behalf of the sailors when I say that we are excited to return to New Zealand and share our new knowledge and experience to help develop NZIODA sailors further.
Congratulations to all the team...
David 36
Campbell 55
Gavin 109
Henry 113
Seb 121
Whilst Zealous Head Coach Sam McKenzie focussed on the New Zealand Team, it was great to see plenty of other sailors at the Optimist Worlds representing their respective nationals that we have coached over the past 12 months, particularly those sailors from Finland, Latvia and Lithuania. A special mention to Ville Korhonen, from our Brändö Seglare Team, finishing 100th and first Fin!
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Whilst the Optimist Worlds have been going on, Zealous coaches George Gautrey and Jacob Von Koskull have been in Estonia, coaching the Brändö Seglare Team at the 40th Spinnaker Regatta held out of the Kalev Yacht Club, Tallinn. The 171 strong fleet included sailors from Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The regatta was a great learning opportunity for our young up and coming team of 8. A range of conditions made for tricky racing, Aku Koivistoinen finishing 16th overall as he prepares for the IODA European Championships in Italy beginning next week.
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