Windy finish for NSW Optimist Championships

The NSW Optimist Championships concluded today at Middle Harbour Yacht Club with Aidan Simmons from Geelong in Victoria winning the Open Championship and MHYC sailor Jacob Marks crowned NSW Champion for 2020.

Light and shifty conditions prevailed for the Saturday, challenging race management teams and sailors alike.  Open & Intermediate Fleet RO Jeremey Atkinson managed three races on The Sound, while Green Fleet RO Robyn Tames completed four shorter races closer to the club at Chinaman’s Beach. 

A moderate north-westerly, forecast to lighten today, instead freshened to 20 plus knots at start time.  Green and Intermediate Fleets were unable to race in these conditions and when the Open Fleet lined up for race five, the breeze strengthened further with gusts to 30 knots.  Racing was abandoned for the day and prizes were awarded based on the abbreviated program.

Results Summary

NSW Champion – Jacob Marks (MHYC)

Open Boys

• 1^st – Aidan Simmons (IHYC/RGYC)
• 2^nd – Jacob Marks (MHYC)
• 3^rd – Spencer McKay (WSC)

Open Girls

• 1^st – Hanako Tomishima (WSC)
• 2^nd - Sara Bruce (RPAYC)
• 3^rd – Harriet McLachlan (RSYS)

1^st 11 Year Old – Callum Simmons (IHYC/RGYC)

1^st 10 Year Old – Zara Marks (MHYC)

Intermediate Boys

• 1^st – Stirling McKay (WSC/RSYS)
• 2^nd – Max Coroneos (WSC)
• 3^rd - Rocco Springer (RPAYC)

Intermediate Girls

• 1^st – Billie Robbins (RPAYC) and 1^st Overall
• 2^nd – Pia Hooper (HHSC)
• 3^rd  - Meg Bates (MHYC)

Many thanks to the race management volunteers and especially the large number of MHYC parents who supported the event.

To view the results - click here