This weekend the next generation of Britain’s sailors will travel the length and breadth of Britain and even France to compete in the annual Volvo Gill Optimist End of Seasons this weekend (13th-14th October). Competitors from as far flung as Scotland, Guernsey and France will travel to Rutland Sailing Club who will once again play host to over 260 Optimist sailors.

This year sees another healthy entry level with the fleet comprising of 201 sailors in the Main (10-15 years) and 63 competitors in the Regatta fleet (8+years) competing in the final championships this year.

Some of Britain’s most celebrated Olympic sailors have passed through the class including; quadruple Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie, two-time Olympic gold medalists Iain Percy and Silver medalist Hannah Mills.

Hannah Mills, who has a attended a number of optimist and youth sailing events this year to show support and give talks to the youngsters on improving their performance said “Sailing in the Optimist class was an important part of my sailing career as it was at that time that all I dreamt about was going to the Olympics. Competing in the class provided me with invaluable experience and gave me the belief that if I worked hard enough I would reach my goal. I wish everyone competing at the End of Seasons the very best of luck and I have no doubt that I will see some of these sailors on the Olympic podium in a few years’ time!”

Inspiration for the young sailors could not be higher with the success of Team GB at the Olympics this summer still fresh in their minds. Some of those sailors set to do well this weekend are Milo Gill- Taylor who is currently ranked third in the overall rolling rankings this year and placed second at last years’ Volvo Gill Optimist End of Season. Competition is also set to be high amongst the girls with Jenny Cropley who claimed Top British Girl at both the Optimist Nationals and Volvo Gill Optimist Inland Championships earlier this year and Hattie Rogers who has a series of high placing results this season, both hoping to firmly secure their positions in the top ten IOCA Winter Squad Selections for 2013.

Simon Rogers, IOCA UK Chairman spoke about the upcoming weekend “We are delighted by the level of entries we have received for this weekend and are especially thrilled to see the strong level of entries from France. The forecast looks great for this weekend with predictions of 8-14 knots on both days leading to perfect conditions for competitive sailing. I wish everyone taking part the best of luck and I look forward to seeing everyone over the weekend.”

The first race is due to start at 11.00am on Saturday morning prize giving is expected to take place on Sunday afternoon.

Katherine Mason

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Last Updated ( Saturday, 13 October 2012 )