2018 European Optimist Championships - Team Managers Report

The Netherlands, The Hague, June 25^th-29^th

Team Manager: Suki Scade

Quite simply, what a fantastic event! From the organisation, the accommodation, the location. Most importantly it was the team of young Australian Sailors that made this event such a success.

Finley Scade, from NSW, Mia Lovelady, from WA, Finn McMahon and Linus Talacko, both from VIC were wonderful ambassadors for Australia. All sailed to their best and ended their Optimist sailing days with all finishing in the Gold Fleet, a feat that has not happened before for the Australian team, at this event. 

The event started with all the team arriving the week before to train, however the weather gods /Volvo ocean race were against them and once the harbour had shut for 2 days, the team were left with 1 day to get out and prepare for what was described by Coach Tom as some of the most difficult tidal conditions he has seen for the tiny “bucket”, that is the Optimist. 

Highly organised that we were, the team were one of the 1^st through measurement and despite some hasty soaking up of internal boat dampness with tissues, the team were ready to race. 

The team were staying in accommodation about a 20 minute bus ride away, but we as a team decided that the bus was not what Australians do, so we all hired bikes and cycled in to the racing each morning, beating the buses and allowing for a daily team meeting at a café close to the venue. It was a great way to wake us all up, despite the boys treating it like the Tour de France each morning, leaving myself gasping for air as I tried to keep up!

So, the regatta started and the team all had some tough races but remained focussed. The first 3 days had 7 qualifying races. All team members had at least 1 top 10 finish in the qualifying days, but a bit up and down for everyone, except Linus who really should be applauded for some consistent racing. The 1^st Finals day consisted of 2 races and the 2^nd Finals day had just one race. The final event party was held at the accommodation and in the typical style of fifteen year olds, it was not cool to attend the “disco”- (majority of sailors were around the 12/13 years of age)- so they jumped on their bikes and cycled around the accommodation picking up some GBR and USA sailors and putting them on the front of their bikes. They then proceeded to crash into trees and stinging nettles with their passengers. Great Fun! (Special mention to Mia who tolerated the three 15 year old boys for the regatta, she remained calm and focussed) 

Overall everyone realised that despite some hard racing conditions, they all had had a great regatta. Other fun activities were also included in our event over the two weeks. Several team dinners were great fun with not just the team, but parents, coach Tom and some UK family members who had come over to support the team. We also got to access a VIP tour on the Volvo boat Brunel. The team got to see all the technical aspects of the boat and gain an insight into what it was like to spend extended periods of time on these amazing boats. 

After the event, the team split to all go to other places in Europe for a break and all return to start their next journey in sailing. The boys are all in 420’s and Mia has moved into Lasers. 

A big thanks to all the parents and Coach Tom who also made the regatta such fun.