Kit Guide

Bowmoor Optimist and Youth Camp 2016

The May half-term holiday saw over 50 young sailors arrive at Bowmoor Sailing Club for the annual Optimist and Youth sailing camp. This year I was helping to coach one of the advanced Optimist groups. As well as the 40+ Optimist sailors, this year’s camp also included 11 Byte sailors – the Byte fleet at Bowmoor has grown rapidly over the last 12 months and is now the largest active fleet in the UK.

With sailors travelling from as far as Cornwall, most people took the opportunity to camp at the club for the 3 days. Over the course of the 3 days we had a mix of conditions ranging from 15 knots+ on day one to 3-5 knots on the final day, but we were able to get everyone out sailing on all 3 days.

It was great to see the next generation of Optimist sailors developing their skills and to have the opportunity to pass on knowledge and techniques.

On the Saturday after the camp it was the Bowmoor Optimist Open. The wind was very light and shifty from the north during the course of the day, but both fleets were able to complete four races. I helped with rescue cover and coaching support for the Regatta fleet which was good fun, and also took part in the Main fleet Protest Committee – which was an interesting experience. Overall results for the Main fleet; 1st Finley Hartshorn (Frampton), 2nd Toby Banbrook (Bowmoor), 3rd Zach Lyttle (Bowmoor).

It was a great opportunity to use my new Pro Aquafleece Rigging Coat too!