The 2021 Australian Optimist Championship was held on 14-17 April at Adelaide Sailing Club, after the event scheduled for Fremantle in January was cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. 23 Victorian sailors travelled to Adelaide for the event, with a total fleet across Greenfleet, Intermediate and Open of 117 sailors. Everyone had a great time sailing and socialising. 

Day 1 was challenging with 15-18 knot winds and over 2 m waves. Yummy paella concluded the day. Day 2 saw much easier conditions, with winds around 10 knots and much smaller waves. Days 3 and 4 had even lighter winds, and some waiting around for the wind to fill in, but there was enough wind for 3 races in open fleet and 2 races in Intermediate fleet on Day 3 and a final 2 races for both fleets on the last day.

Conratulations to all Victorian sailors, but in particular:

Aidan Simmons, Champion of the 2021 Australian Optimist Regatta. Out of 10 races, Aidan won 3 races, and came second in 3 races. Fantastic effort Aidan!!

Callum Simmons, first under 13 and 8th overall in Open fleet. Callum won one race.

Jorja Mahoney, third girl and 17th overall in Open Fleet

Henri Levenspiel, most improved in Open Fleet (equal with Harry Pilkington from Tasmania)

Ashlea Tan, second girl and 13th overall in Intermediate Fleet

THANK YOU to AIODA, Adelaide Sailing Club and all of the volunteers who made this event so fantastic. We look forward to seeing you all in Fremantle in January 2022!!

Full results:  Open & Intermediate,   Greenfleet

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