Optimists at Bowmoor Sailing Club's Oppy Camp
by John Banbrook 10 Jun 2014 15:36 BST
29 May - 1 June 2014
Bowmoor Sailing Club's Oppy Camp 2014 © EventStream Media
Bowmoor Sailing Club hosted it's annual Oppy Camp over the Summer half-term from Thu 29th May to Sun 1st June. Camp comprised 36 Optimist sailors including both members and non-members, a further 6 young 'Pirates' (younger siblings) and a group of 5 older siblings. Such is the reputation and popularity of Bowmoor's Oppy Camp, that families travelled from as far afield as St Mawes to attend.
All of the sailors had previously completed their RYA Level 1 or 2 training and so the focus for Camp was to develop race training and to have FUN. Sailors were placed into one of 4 ability groups with outstanding coaching provided by John Burford, Brian Staite, Will Lockett, Jack Nunn and Ollie Sellers. The weather provided a real challenge with extremely light airs including a no-sailing day on the Sunday. Nonetheless, coaches provided an excellent balance of lectures, practical sessions, on-water coaching and racing.
The Pirate group comprised 6 young children aspiring to follow their older brothers and sisters. They took part in water and sailing related activities supported by parents and helpers. On the Saturday, they captured Optimist Flotilla Leader, John Banbrook who was made to 'walk the plank'. On the Sunday, the Club Bahia was turned into a pirate ship complete with flags and bunting. Hopefully these young pirates will take part in Oppy Camp proper in the next few years.
The older sibling group took the opportunity to try 420 sailing on the Friday with symmetrical spinnaker work and asymmetric sailing on the Saturday in an ISO and a 29er.
Aside from their sailing groups, all of the children were placed into 4 mixed teams so that they could gain points for their sailing ability, sportsmanship, commitment, team spirit and fun activities in the evenings. All of the points were totalled-up on the Sunday and the teams won prizes. A Camp BBQ was held on the Saturday evening with the traditional late finish for parents! All sailors made a tie-dye T shirt and everyone went home with the traditional Oppy Camp hoodie.
All in all, an excellent camp was enjoyed by all and we all look forward to Oppy Camp 2015...
Bowmoor has an extremely active Optimist Flotilla with race coaching running throughout the year. Anyone interested in taking part should contact the Flotilla Leader via the Club website. www.bowmoor.co.uk.