ACT optimist Championships – Regatta Wrap Up by Justin Steel (RPAYC Optimist Class Representative)

Six RPA sailors travelled down to Canberra to compete at the ACT Optimist Championships held over the weekend. The ACT event always a favourite for spectators with the start line a stone’s throw from the club. The event attracted 85 boats, with racing held across open, intermediate, and green fleets.

Day 1 started slowly with racing delayed while the breeze finally filled in, with three races held in conditions that challenged both competitors and race officials alike, with variable wind strength and direction.

Day 2 saw similar conditions, with four more races held in warmer weather, but still with plenty of shifts that keep the sailors on their toes.

Darcy Miles was RPA’s top performer in open fleet sailing into 3rd place overall (and only 3 points from 1st). Ruben Steel was close behind in 5th. Jack Garland (15th) and Harry Pearce (25th) raced in the intermediate fleet and stepping up to the plate for their 1st green fleet regatta was Cameron Sampson and Riley Carasso. We should keep an eye on these talented young sailors in the coming seasons!