Read about the 2024 ZHIK VIC Youth Championships, written by Australian Sailing.

News - Australian Sailing - Youth (sailingyouth.org.au)

From 4-7 April 2024, Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club hosted the Zhik Youth Sail Vic Coaching Clinic and Championship.  The event welcomed 120 sailors and families from Vic, SA, QLD, NSW and WA, with a team of Optimist sailors flying all the way from Qingdao, China.

55 SSCBC volunteers helped to run 5 race courses for 10 divisions. All in all it was an outstanding achievement and we thank the club for their excellent hospitality and especially thank the volunteers for running the event so well.

The Zhik Youth Sail Vic Coaching Clinic was held over the first two days. Sailors arrived ready for a 9:30am briefing with their respective coaches. The groups then enjoyed a morning session in solid breeze before all returning to shore for lunch together. The sailors and families certainly enjoyed the hot pasta and snacks available on the deck and Members’ Lounge to refuel, ready for the afternoon session.

One of the highlights of the Coaching Clinic was the Burger night held on the first night, where 190 sailors and family members came together in the SSCBC dining room to enjoy a burger and chips meal, drinks and an inspiring presentation from sailing coach and AIS Thrive with Pride Ambassador Amelia Catt about her sailing journey, overcoming injury and adversity, to get to where she is today.

The Victorian Youth Championship kicked off on Saturday morning with a strong easterly breeze, keeping the Opti Green fleet ashore. The little ones did however get to join some of the coaches on the ribs and a visit to the seals to get amongst the on water action in a different way.

Sunday saw a more favourable breeze for our Opti Green fleet to get underway, completing their five races. All fleets completed their required races on Sunday in lighter conditions with some outstanding results.

Thanks to all the parents for your support and to the sailors - we hope you had a good time, improved your skills, learnt some new skills, made some new friends, and enjoyed sailing at beautiful Sorrento!

Thanks to major sponsor Zhik for the generous prizes and ongoing support.