It has been an exciting couple of weeks for our coaching team, working with a variety of different sailors from around the world in Finland, Sweden & New Zealand.
In Finland the sailing season is drawing to a close, with the FIODA Ranking series finishing at the end of September. Our racing team, representing Brändö Seglare and a host of other Eastern Helsinki Clubs achieved commendable results in the series. Taking out 2nd & 7th position, our team had the most sailors placed in the top 30 out of any other team from across the country. We have a young talented team who is motivated to get to the top, training will continue through October before conditions are no longer suitable. Winter physical training begins November.
1-2 October the Brändö Team traveled to Stockholm, Sweden to compete in the annual KSSS (Royal Swedish Yacht Club) Olympic Class regatta. Saltsjöbaden - An idillic venue with beautiful scenery located 25 minutes out downtown Stockholm. The regatta boasted plenty of top Optimist sailors, including world silver medalist Mattais…. The conditions were shifty and gusty challenging the sailors in multiple areas. Nevertheless it was an awesome regatta and fantastic for the team to bench mark themselves against some of the best. We look forward to continuing to support this regatta in the years to come!
5-7 October we held our third Auckland based Zealous Optimist Clinic held out of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. We had a strong group of sailors from around the country including several sails that have recently attended IODA World & North American Championships. It is always awesome to pop home to New Zealand and share the new knowledge we have learnt from the European season! However the conditions couldn’t have been more challenging, with gale force Westerly winds throughout the three days we had our hands full. Even with the strong forecast and marginal conditions we did our best to maximise our time out on the water throughout the three days, primarily looking at heavy weather techniques and start positioning. We had a great time and look forward to seeing the sailors again in December!
Over the next two weeks all our winter tour trainings will be locked in and confirmed. Sailors have until October 16 to sign up for the following events. Places limited….
Zealous International Optimist Clinic, Auckland 21-23 December
AIODA Optimist Nationals Coaching, Adelaide 2-9 January (1 place remaining)
Torrevieja Training Clinic + Regatta, 22-29 January
Palamos + Barcelona Package, 15-25 February