The 2022 Australian Optimist Championships were held at Georges River 16" Sailing Club on January 15-20 2022.

Day 1

Despite almost perfect sailing conditions consisting of a steady 15-20 knot SSE breeze, sailors were kept ashore all day due to a Marine Tsunami Warning for New South Wales following a volcanic eruption near Tonga testerday. Organisers had no choice but to wait for the warning to be lifted, which unfortunately didn't happen. Global pandemic, tsunami - what could be next? Fingers crossed for good conditrions (and no tsunami warning) for Day 2.

Day 2

The tsunami warning was lifted around 10pm on Day 1, and the wind came in nicely for a 12:00 start to racing on Day 2. Open and Intermediate fleets managed four races with fairly light winds, and Greenfleet sailors had six races. Victorian sailors Aidan Simmons and Callum Simmons are sitting in first and second place in Open fleet, and Hugo Henderson is in second place in Intermediate fleet.

Day 3

Open and Intermediate completed 3 races in a moderate to fresh 13-18 knots. Many sailors had trouble with the top mark rounding due to the tide.

Day 4

Only Open fleet sailed on Wednesday, with challenging conditions including wind varying up to 31 knots.

Day 5

Open and Intermediate fleets both sailed on Thursday, with winds building through the day.

Congratulations to all Victorian sailors, but in particular to Aidan Simmons for winning the Australian Championships for the second year in a row. Jorja Mahoney was first Australian Female.  Hugo Henderson came first in Intermediate fleet and top 10 year old. Lily Cantwell received an award for Notable Sportsmanship, and was third female in Interediate fleet. Indented Head Yacht Club won the Ozi Opti Club Championship Club. 

Results

Photo gallery