Australian Sailing Awards 2024 | Recognition and Acknowledgement

The outstanding contributions of VIODA, along with its coaches, sailors, and volunteers, were proudly recognized at the Australian Sailing 2024 Awards. Congratulations to the VIODA members who were finalists in the following categories:

Coach of the Year Finalist: Coach David White      

Youth Sailor of the Year Finalist: Augustas Buividas

Volunteer of the Year Finalist: Leah Keh                  

Sports Promotion Finalists: Leah Keh and VIODA

A huge applause for their dedication and achievements! It was an amazing evening celebrating the good work of everyone in the sailing community!

Well done, Team VIODA!

CitySail 2024 | Girl Power, Congratulations

14 Opti female sailors braved wild weather at the CitySail All Women and Girls Regatta 2024, earlier this month. The "Developing Squad" learned capsize drills in 20 knots, then watched the "Advanced Fleet" compete, working with shifts and winds. The atmosphere was electric with girls cheering each other on—"Go, Girls, Go!" The advanced fleet showed fierce competition through six intense races, with parents on edge as the sailors battled to the finish line!

Congratulations to all the winners, and big thumbs up to APYC for another fantastic event and thanks to coaches - Anna Cripsey, Sophie Jackson and Jarka Kluth for your wonderful coaching and guidance!

CitySail 2024 Winners :

1st, Advanced Fleet - Ashlea T.

2nd, Advanced Fleet - Rachael B.

3rd, Advanced Fleet - Frances G.

1st, Developing Fleet - Alex S.

2nd, Developing Fleet - Tilly G.

3rd, Developing Fleet - Anouk H.

Determination Awards - Anouk H and Josie L

Sportmanship Award - Anne E.

Most Eager To Learn Award - Allegra J.

Best Listener Award - Charlotte M.

Most Improved Award - Aubrey T.

VIODA Girls Camp | Friendships and Camaraderie

The VIODA Girls Camp 2024 was a huge success! Following the first day of the CitySail Regatta, 21 Opti and Ex-Opti sailors gathered at the lake and headed off to meet Australian Olympian Tess Lloyd at the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). The girls enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of VIS, exploring top-notch fitness equipment and receiving signed caps from Tess herself! A massive thank you to Carrie Smith, Alex Starkova, Tess Lloyd, Anna Cripsey, and VIS for such an unforgettable start to our camp.

Later, the girls were thrilled to receive welcome bags filled with custom-designed VIODA hoodie towels (and we spotted one at the pool recently!), autographed caps by Tess Lloyd, and treats from Carman’s Kitchen and Sly Boat Building and Repair Centre. A big shout-out to our generous sponsors for supporting our incredible class!

The fun didn’t stop there—campers had a blast with rope-tying relays, indulged in ice cream, bubble tea, candy floss, and popcorn, and capped the night with a "Moana" movie night! We can’t wait to do it all again in 2025! 

2024 VIODA - Qingdao Exchange Program | Welcome Home

The 2024 VIODA-Qingdao Exchange Program concluded on a high note, with 4 of our sailors reaching the Gold Fleet and 2 making it into the Silver Fleet at the Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta. Under the exceptional guidance of Coach Peter McCann, our team of 6 sailors—Charlie C, Samuel S, Zelie G, William R, Fred C, and Harry C—performed beyond expectations. Special congratulations to Samuel S., who brought home a trophy as the 3rd Boy in the Silver Fleet! VIODA President Michael Cantwell had also signed on behalf of VIODA to continue this incredible exchange program between VIODA and the Qingdao Sports Development Centre into the year of 2025. Expression of Interest for the next delegation will open around April 2025, stay tuned!

The team not only excelled on the water but also enjoyed an incredible cultural exchange with their Qingdao counterparts, creating lasting memories. A big thank you to our Qingdao friends, President Michael, Team Leader Danielle, Committee Members Victoria, YunYun, Leah, Coach Peter, the parents, and, of course, our amazing sailors for making this trip a resounding success!

Sail Country and VIODA Training Camp | Time to Camp and Bond

Twenty-three of our Opti sailors have signed up for the most anticipated sailing event in the country! As the Albury Wodonga Sailing Club slogan says, "Because everyone deserves a weekend in the country." With numbers capped at 100, the regatta already boasts over 70 registered boats, and the Optimists make up the largest fleet for the two-day event.

VIODA has also organized a coaching camp for the following Monday and Tuesday to maximize the long weekend. VOST and VODS coaches Will McKenzie and Anna Cripsey will be there to guide and support the Optimist fleet over the four days. We’re excited for fun on the water for the kids and plenty of relaxation in the shade for the parents!

To register for the regatta, training camps and accommodation, please see the VIODA website for more details.

2025/26 VOST & VODS | Criteria and Selection events

The Victorian Optimist Sailing Team (VOST) was established in 2009 to provide top Victorian Optimist sailors with specialized coaching and support at key regattas. In 2015, VIODA expanded this by introducing the Victorian Optimist Development Squad (VODS). By 2022, VIODA further refined the VODS program to help sailors advance their skills with the goal of future VOST selection.

For more information on selection criteria and upcoming events, please visit the VIODA website.

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