The 2019 Victorian Optimist State Titles were hosted by Royal Brighton Yacht Club from 9-11 March 2019. SSCBC had a large contingent of 18 sailors, well spread across the different fleets. RBYC did a great job getting 9 races in for both fleets in tough conditions. A special mention has to go to Sadie Cunningham who did her first ever event and was the only competitor in the rainbow fleet.
On the Intermediate course, SSCBC made up 10 of the 25 sailors taking part in the event. Natalie Gleeson was on even points with the winner and finished 2nd overall on count back, even though she had 11 points over 9 races. Natalie was awarded the Intermediate Female State Champion, with her friend Alice Dunne finishing an impressive 2nd female. Annabelle Williamson also received an award for best improved since the last state titles, moving up 30 spots. Our Intermediate fleet was coached by George Aulich, Jack Lewis and Hugo Llewelyn.
On the Open course, SSCBC had 7 sailors battle it out in a variety of conditions. The fleet had some tough competition with Worlds team and a number of the Australian team travelling to the event. Although our sailors were not at the pointy end, they certainly learnt some valuable lessons which will stand them in good stead for the next event. All SSCBC boats stayed out when conditions were on the upper limit, so much so that ribs had to go ashore.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the parents who made a big effort to make the SSCBC sailors come together as a team. Families looked out for one another, with initiatives such as making up trailers to fit 6 boats on it, organising a SSCBC gazebo, volunteering on the finish boats and organising a parents’ lunch on the Sunday so they could all catch up. All of these efforts were really noted and in my eyes, were one of the main successes of the weekend.
On 11-12 April, SSCBC will be hosting a VIODA Easter training camp, which will involve sailors travelling from across the country to take part.
