March 2024 Newsletter:
Meet The New VIODA Committee 2024/25 | Good things to come!
President - Michael Cantwell Vice President - Leah Keh
Secretary - Victoria Ceban Treasurer - Yun Yun Liu
General Committee - Alex Starkova General Committee - Anthony Brown
General Committee - Michael Coates General Committee - Nathan Edwards
General Committee - Errol Stent General Committee - Christian Cantwell
We are very excited to announce the new VIODA committee! Thank you to many of the Optimist parents, coaches and ex-committee members for taking time off to attend the eventful AGM on 10 March 2024. We would also like to show our appreciation to the out-going committee of 2023/24.
Appointment of Head Coach | Welcoming Jack Lewis
We are very excited to welcome Jack Lewis onboard with VIODA as the state’s Head Coach for the season of 2024/25! Jack is the ideal candidate for this prestigious position with his impressive qualifications, coaching experience, and dedication to the sport. Jack will oversee and provide direction to the coaching staff and sailors across all levels. His expertise in coaching will be instrumental in designing and implementing effective training programs, ensuring that each athlete reaches their full potential. Additionally, Jack’s role as an advisor to the committee will contribute to shaping the strategic direction and policies of the organization.
Victorian Opti State Championships 2024 | Congratulations!
The Victorian Opti State Championships concluded triumphantly on the beautiful waters off Sandringham Yacht Club, attracting competitive young sailors from interstate to vie for the prestigious Open Championship title. We extend our congratulations to all the remarkable sailors from Green, Intermediate and Open fleet who had participated in the regatta. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have undoubtedly contributed to the success of this event. Big shoutout to the club, volunteers and parents who have made it all possible. To read more and view the list of winners - https://vioda.org.au/news/victorian-opti-state-championships-2024
VIODA Lake Training | Pencil in the dates
As the winter season approaches, VIODA is excited to invite all Opti sailors to participate in our LEGENDARY Winter Sailing Program! This program offers a unique opportunity for young sailors to hone their skills, stay active, and have fun on the water during the colder months. We want to assist sailing clubs by keeping their sailors active in winter and see them return to their home clubs sharper, faster and energized just in time for Spring! Pencil in the following dates and we will confirm this in late April, pending water-levels at the lake. All trainings will be held at Albert Sailing Club, Albert Park Lake. Fees will be published soon.
1st Block: -May 19, 26 | June 2, 16 (Full Day TEAMS RACING)
2nd Block: July 21, 28 | August 4, 11
3rd Block: August 18, 25 | September 1
More info: https://vioda.org.au/news/vioda-winter-coaching-returns-at-albert-park-lake
VIODA-Qingdao China Exchange Tour | EOI Opens soon!
This coming April at the Zhik Vic Youth Championship, to be held at SSCBC, VIODA is excited to be receiving 6 Qingdao sailors, their manager and interpreter at the event. Please join us in welcoming them! VIODA has an exclusive exchange program with the Chinese Yachting Association where 6 Victorian Opti sailors are selected annually to attend the Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta. Last August, 6 VIODA sailors arrived in Qingdao where they were generously received at the event's opening ceremony. They sailed fabulously and spent over a week interacting with over 100 Opti sailors from all over the world! The EOI for the 2024 delegation will be opening soon.
For more information: https://vioda.org.au/opti_events/vioda-china-exchange-tour
Events Calendar | Sail more and some more!
4th Apr - Sun 7th Apr - Zhik VIC Youth Championships and Coaching Clinic, SSCBC
4th May - Sun 5th May - Sail Bellarine, Indented Head Yacht Club
End May - Sept VIODA Winter Coaching at Albert Park Lake
Coming Events to register: https://vioda.org.au/opti_events
Meet The Sailors | Can we feature your sailor?
VIODA features Optimist sailors from different clubs, find out more about our little sailors on this page! https://vioda.org.au/about-vioda/meet-the-sailors
All Rounded Communications | Always in the know!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/optimistvic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicopti/
Official webpage: www.vioda.org.au
