Extremely light penultimate day

Youngsters were kept entertained on shore as they waited for the wind at the UK Optimist Nationals

Day five of the Volvo Musto Optimist National Championships saw fluky and light breeze plague the fleets. An overcast day started with a promising light westerly breeze of eight knots, providing good conditions early on, before the wind dropped completely meaning the competitors could manage only one race.

For the second day in a row the smaller sailors fared better than their heavier counterparts, with Alex Mothersele (15) continuing his good form in the senior fleet winning his race. Mothersele does have a rival to contend with in the shape of Eric Plancon (14) from Spain, who finished just behind him in second place and due to a discard ruling now lies two points away from the lead. Plancon is really enjoying himself saying “I am having so much fun at the Nationals, I am competing really well I have met friends from all over the world and I am in strong contention for a podium finish.”

Both junior and senior fleets had to wait three hours out in Weymouth Bay, before racing was finally abandoned. Their spirits were kept high by the coaches, who put them through their paces with training games and fun sing-alongs. Duncan Trustwell, RYA Youth Manager outlined the importance of the national’s event, “Events like the Optimist Nationals are a key feeder for our Olympic programme, many of the future UK champions will come out of Championships like these.”

In the junior fleet it was all change with Clay Danly (12) leap-frogging his two American counterparts from third to first place. Second place was kept by Hunter Johnson (13), while Duncan Williford (12) dropped to third only one point behind the leaders. First Brit in the junior fleet, Scott Wallis (11) kept hold of his fifth position and is now only one point behind his Dutch rival Niels Broekhuizen (12). With winds looking to be stronger tomorrow, the youngsters are all looking to peak their performance on the last and deciding day.

The regatta fleet took advantage of the light conditions by having an away day on a local beach where they were treated to fun and games by their coaches. Mike Hayes, Head Race Officer for the regatta fleet stated “The regatta fleet have been really great this week. All credit must go to their local clubs and coaches, who have set them up with the skills to come here and have a good time sailing. They have always had smiles on their faces and coped with everything we have put them up against race and weather condition wise.”

Results:

Senior Fleet

1-Alex Mothersele GBR - 18 Points
2-Eric Plancon ESP - 20 Points
3-Alex Curtis USA - 28 Points
4-Sarah Williams USA - 29 Points
5-Tracy Doherty USA - 34 Points

Junior Fleet

1-Clay Danly USA - 13 Points
2-Hunter Johnson USA - 13 Points
3-Duncan Williford USA - 14 Points
4-Oliver Grogono UAE - 20 Points
5-Niels Broekhuizen NED - 25 Points

Regatta fleet

1-Benjamin WAHA GBR – 11 points
2-Joseph BURNS GBR – 23 points
3-William MASSEY GBR – 25 points 
4-Joe GIRLING GBR – 26 points
5-Daniel WHITELEY GBR – 41 points