2024 JULY VIODA News and More!

Spotting future Olympians in the Optimists | Lasers, Waszp, 29er and 420s

Join us for two insightful sessions of talks and sharing, brought to you by parents and former Optimist sailors who have transitioned to bigger classes such as the Waszp, Lasers, 29ers, and 420. The 29er class leads up to the Olympic classes of the 49er and 49erFX. The 420 class serves as a stepping stone to the Olympic class of the 470. These sessions aim to provide valuable insights and guidance for both current Optimist sailors and their families as they navigate the next steps in their sailing journey. Many Optimist sailors develop a high level of skill and competency by the time they size or age out of the Optimist class. This opens up opportunities to move into a variety of bigger boat classes, each offering unique challenges and rewards. However, the decision of which class to choose can be daunting.

Our speakers, who have successfully made this transition, will share their experiences, discuss the pros and cons of different classes, and offer advice on how to make the best choice based on individual skills, interests, and goals. Whether you are considering the high-speed thrills of the Waszp, the competitive edge of the Laser, the teamwork of the 29er, or the technical demands of the 420, these sessions will provide the information and inspiration you need.

• 21 July | 1.30pm (After Launch)

Speakers: Paul Simmons and Callum Simmons

Topic: After Optis I – Lasers and Waszp

• 4 August | 1.30pm (After Launch)

Speakers: Cameron Stevens, Liam Stevens, Gary Cameron, Liv Cameron

Topic: After Optis II – 420 and 29er   

VIODA Girls Camp | Friendships and Camaraderie

The favourite event of the year – the VIODA Girls Camp – is back on the same weekend as CitySail, the all-women and girls sailing regatta organized by APYC. VIODA will be sponsoring the cost of the entire event, and only 25 spots are available for booking, so be quick!

This exclusive event is only available for booking by current VIODA Optimist girls. VIODA sailors are expected to come together at the end of day 1 of the CitySail regatta for a fun and memorable evening. Activities will include listening to a guest speaker, watching a movie, enjoying treats, playing games, and engaging in various activities. Participants will also be surprised with a generous goodie bag!

Check out last year’s goodies – need we say more? Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to bond with fellow sailors and create lasting memories. Book your spot now!

Australian Optimist Development Squad (AODS) 2024 | Tate and Acklin

In January, the 2024 Musto Australian Optimist Championship was held at the Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club in Adelaide. Based on the rankings from the 2024 Australian Optimist Championships, the Australian International Optimist Dinghy Association (AIODA) selected an Australian Optimist Development Squad (AODS). We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Victorians Tate Cantwell and Acklin Stent for their outstanding performance, leading to their selection into the Australian Optimist Development Squad! Few weeks ago, they drove to NSW to train with the AODS at Georges River, in preparation for their international regattas.

These Victorian sailors will be heading to

Tate Cantwell - Eastern Seaboard Regatta, Thailand in Oct 2024

Acklin Stent – Eastern Seaboard Regatta, Thailand in Oct 2024

VIODA extends its sincerest well-wishes to these sailors as they embark on their journeys to compete on the global stage. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship serve as inspirations to the entire sailing community, and we have every confidence that they will represent Australia with the utmost distinction and honour.

APYC WinterSail 2024 | Rising stars, Congratulations

Congratulations to the winning sailors of the Albert Park Yacht Club (APYC) WinterSail 2024!

Zelie Goussard       William Rose

Kate Edwards         James Edwards

Noor Tcharikov        Clovis Goussard

Well done to you all and to every single one of you who have committed yourselves to better sailing and living the best lives out there on the water. Thank you APYC for hosting us again. What a wonderful event at the lake!
 

Optimist Olympic Spirit | Sailing and Cheering as One

Last weekend, our VIC Opti sailors turned out in full force to support Australia's athletes at the 2024 Olympics! With an impressive show of national pride, the Opti sailors were decked out in vibrant Australian Olympic colours, and their boats gleamed with enthusiastic decorations. The sight of our young sailors, proudly displaying their support, added a wave of excitement and patriotism to the event.

The VIC Opti community's involvement in such events underscores the importance of unity and encouragement in sports. Let's continue to cheer on our incredible athletes as they strive for Olympic glory. Go, go, go Aussies!

AIS Mental Fitness Talk and Discussion | Keeping our sailors healthy

Anna Cripsey, Speaker Representative of the Victorian Institute of Sport and Black Dog Institute, delivered an engaging and insightful mental fitness health session for our Optimist sailors on July 21, 2024. Conversations were sparked, and sensitive topics were discussed.

Anna, being a competitive sportsperson, understands the social challenges sailors face and emphasized that mental fitness plays a huge part in building a resilient and healthy fleet of happy sailors. VIODA encourages these conversations to continue at home, promoting family engagement to help sailors sail happier, healthier, and stronger.

Keeping up with the schedule | EOIs listed

We have listed various Expressions of Interest (EOIs) on the website to understand the number of sailors interested in the coaching camps organized exclusively for VIODA sailors. Please kindly go online and let us know your interest as soon as possible. We do not want to leave anyone out!

Events Calendar | Where and When?

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