2024 MAY VIODA News and More!
Victorian State Team Announced | Leading the Pack, Setting the Goals
Congratulations to the six dedicated sailors who have excelled throughout the year and showcased their skills at both the Australian Championships in January 2024 and the VIC State Championships in March 2024. We are delighted to announce the 2024 Victorian Optimist Sailing Team (VOST):
Ashlea Tan
Acklin Stent
Rachael Benoy
Tate Cantwell
Frances Gibson
Louis Coates
These sailors have demonstrated outstanding performance and commitment, earning their place on the state team. We anticipate more thrilling achievements from our state team and encourage younger sailors to learn from and be inspired by these exceptional athletes. Here's to a season of hard work, learning, and success on the water!
Appointment of VOST Coach | Welcoming Will McKenzie
We are delighted to welcome Will McKenzie to the VIODA team of coaches as the state’s Victorian Optimist Sailing Team (VOST) Coach for the 2024/25 season! Will brings a wealth of knowledge and a strategic mindset that will be invaluable to the VOST and the fleets. With the support of VIC Head Coach Jack Lewis, Will will provide dedicated support and tailored coaching to the VOST, ensuring each sailor receives the guidance and training necessary to excel.
In addition to working with the state team, Will’s role will extend to supporting sailors across all fleets. His comprehensive understanding of sailing techniques, race strategies, and team dynamics will benefit a wide range of athletes, helping to elevate the overall standard of sailing within the state.
We look forward to a successful season under his guidance and are excited to see the positive impact he will have on our sailors and the broader sailing community.
VIODA-Qingdao China Exchange Tour | EOI Closes 31 May
VIODA has an exclusive Victorians-Only 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.
This Victorian-Only exclusive exchange program is open to
1. Intermediate Fleet Sailors (if in doubt of sailor’s abilities, please email us)
2. Open Fleet Sailors (new in the fleet)
Few cost saving highlights of this tour include fees waived for
1. Boat Charters
2. Regatta Registration Fees
3. Sailor’s Accommodation and Meals
In return, you would host the Chinese delegation if they do visit.
For more information: https://vioda.org.au/opti_events/vioda-china-exchange-tour
VIODA Lake Training | What A Massive Kick Off!
The annual VIODA winter training kicked off with a strong start as 45 sailors launched from Albert Sailing Club last Sunday. The event featured a star-studded coaching team, composed of coaches with extensive experience in Optimist sailing, many of whom were former state and national team sailors! Meanwhile, parents engaged in an informative sharing session inside the warm clubhouse. During the session, committee members provided an overview of VIODA's structure and shared details about the upcoming 2025 Australian Championships in Brisbane, as well as information on state and national team selections and upcoming regattas. More sharing sessions are planned, offering parents a cozy environment to gain valuable insights from experienced members. We extend our gratitude to the parents for their participation and generosity in sharing their knowledge!
26 May | 1.30pm (After Launch)
Parent Speakers: John Gibson and Kerryn Rose,
Topic: Safety and Seamanship I
Covering boat safety, weather and planning, clothing, nutrition, hydration, life jackets with pros and cons of different types and much more!
2 June | 1.30pm (After Launch)
Parent Speakers: John Gibson and Martyn Sly
Topic: Safety and Seamanship II
Covering basic rope handling, knots, cleats, vessel towing, RIB and powerboat use, 'boat maintenance and care' and much more!
Victorian Optimist Championship 2025 Venue | Save the dates
The VIC Opti Championships in 2025 will be held on 8 -10 March, at the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club (SSCBC). We look forward to an exciting event where the best of the fleet will compete in thrilling races. The SSCBC, known for its excellent facilities and picturesque location, is the perfect venue for our state championships. Sailors and spectators alike can anticipate a fantastic showcase of skill and sportsmanship on the beautiful waters of Sorrento.
VIODA Membership | Greenies are Growing!
We are thrilled to assist new green fleeters in acquiring their very own Optimist dinghies! In the last few weeks, ahead of the winter lake training, we've successfully matched six new sailors with sellers. If you're looking to grow your sailing club's Optimist fleet, let us know how we can help. VIODA is eager to collaborate with your club and community to spread the word and gain more exposure through our social media platforms. Together, we can ensure a thriving and expanding sailing community!
Events Calendar | Where and When
May 19 - Sept 1: VIODA Winter Coaching at Albert Park Lake
June 22 – June 23: Top Of the Lake Regatta, Albert Sailing Club
July 12 - July 14: WinterSail Junior & Youth Coaching Regatta, Albert Park Yacht Club
Information on sailing events: 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 | Sail more and some more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/optimistvic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicopti/
Official webpage: www.vioda.org.au
WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bw8Qp1O7tbwFP7nxNDQzwk
