VICTORIAN OPTIMIST SAILING TEAM (VOST) & VICTORIAN OPTIMIST DEVELOPMENT SQUAD (VODS)

SELECTION CRITERIA 2027–28

Background

The Victorian Optimist Sailing Team (VOST) was established in 2009 to support the development of Victoria's leading Optimist sailors through specialised coaching, structured training and support at key regattas.

In 2015, VIODA introduced the Victorian Optimist Development Squad (VODS) to provide a development pathway for sailors progressing towards future VOST selection.

Together, VOST and VODS aim to develop sailing skills, encourage participation in competitive sailing and foster a positive and supportive team environment.

The benefits of VOST and VODS membership include:

• Victorian Training Camps – structured to complement club training programmes wherever possible and provide opportunities for sailors from across Victoria to participate.

• Development opportunities – training alongside similarly skilled sailors to improve racing performance, technical skills and tactical understanding.

• Regatta coaching support – access to VIODA coaching at major events, including National and State Championships and other nominated regattas.

• Team environment – opportunities to build friendships, develop confidence and foster positive sailing ambitions.

Membership of VOST and VODS also carries responsibilities. Sailors are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, act as positive role models, support and encourage younger sailors, and show respect towards coaches, officials and fellow competitors.

While VOST and VODS sailors compete against one another, they are also encouraged to work together to raise the standard of Optimist sailing in Victoria. Fun, camaraderie and a positive team culture remain central to both programmes.

Programme Costs

VIODA is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit association. The costs of VOST and VODS programmes are funded by participating members.

Fees for training camps and regatta coaching support will be advised in advance and will generally reflect the costs incurred by VIODA, shared among participating sailors.

Travel and accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of individual sailors and their families. Where possible, VIODA will work with coaches and families to minimise associated costs.

VOST AND VODS SELECTION CRITERIA FOR 2027–28

VOST will comprise a maximum of 8 Open Fleet sailors.

VODS will comprise a maximum of 8 Open Fleet sailors.

Selection for both squads will be based on results in Open Fleet at the nominated Selection Events, together with the additional criteria outlined below.

Selection Events for VOST and VODS

Results from the following Selection Events will be used to calculate sailor rankings for both VOST and VODS:

The National and State Championships remain the principal selection events, accounting for 80% of the overall ranking.

The remaining 20% recognises sailors' performance across Sail Melbourne and the Schnapper Point Regatta, providing a broader measure of racing performance and consistency throughout the selection period.

Note: The VIODA Committee reserves the right to amend the nominated events or their weighting where an event is cancelled or cannot proceed as scheduled. Any changes will be communicated to sailors and families.

VOST Selection Criteria

Automatic Selections

The first six positions in VOST will be automatically awarded to the six highest-ranked eligible sailors based on their Open Fleet results at the Selection Events.

Discretionary Selections

The remaining two positions in VOST will be determined by the VIODA Selection Committee, having regard to:

• Results in the Selection Events;

• Commitment demonstrated through training and racing;

• Coaches' assessment of sailing skills, attitude and development; and

• Potential to learn, improve and contribute positively within the VOST environment.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for one of the eight VOST positions, a sailor must:

• Be eligible to compete at the next Australian Optimist National Championships; and

• Demonstrate the following values:

  • Good sportsmanship;

  • A willingness to act as a positive role model for younger sailors; and

  • A respectful attitude towards coaches, officials and fellow sailors during regattas and training camps.

VOST Legends

In addition to the eight VOST positions, the VIODA Selection Committee may offer up to two additional positions to sailors recognised as VOST Legends.

To be eligible, a sailor must:

• Have been a member of VOST in the previous season;

• Be unable to join VOST because they will have aged out of eligibility for the next Australian Optimist National Championships;

• Have competed in the Selection Events and otherwise achieved a ranking that would have qualified them for VOST;

• Have been selected for an Australian Optimist Sailing Team (AOST) or Australian Optimist Development Squad (AODS) regatta before the end of the calendar year; and

• Commit to training with VOST in preparation for their AOST or AODS regatta.

VOST Legends are intended to recognise the achievements of senior sailors and provide continued training opportunities as they complete their Optimist sailing pathway

VODS Selection Criteria

Automatic Selections

The first six positions in VODS will be automatically awarded to the six highest-ranked eligible sailors who have not been selected for VOST, based on their Open Fleet results at the Selection Events.

Discretionary Selections

The remaining two positions in VODS will be determined by the VIODA Selection Committee, having regard to:

• Results in the Selection Events;

• Commitment demonstrated through training and racing;

• Coaches' assessment of sailing skills, attitude and development; and

• Potential to learn, improve and progress towards future VOST selection.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for one of the eight VODS positions, a sailor must:

• Be eligible to compete at the next Australian Optimist National Championships; and

• Demonstrate the following values:

  • Good sportsmanship;

  • A willingness to act as a positive role model for younger sailors; and

  • A respectful attitude towards coaches, officials and fellow sailors during regattas and training camps.

VIODA Selection Committee

The VIODA Selection Committee will comprise three members:

• The VIODA Head Coach, or another coach appointed by the VIODA Committee; and

• Two individuals with knowledge of the Victorian Optimist fleet, such as experienced coaches or individuals actively involved in Optimist sailing during the selection period.

Selection Committee members must be free from actual or perceived conflicts of interest that could compromise the fairness or independence of the selection process.

Membership of the Selection Committee must be approved by a vote of the VIODA Committee.

The Selection Committee will assess sailor eligibility, review Selection Event results and make recommendations for automatic and discretionary selections.

The Selection Committee's recommendations will be submitted to the VIODA Committee for approval.

Amendments to Selection Criteria

VIODA reserves the right to amend and republish these Selection Criteria where necessary, including in response to changes in event scheduling, eligibility requirements or other circumstances affecting the selection process.

Any material amendments will be communicated to sailors and families.

The VIODA Committee – November 2026