MBSC OPTIMIST CLASS
MBSC has run a sailing programme for Optimists (Oppies) since 2006, starting with an introduction to Optimist sailing in Autumn of that year.
A successful summer/autumn sailing programme has been run every year since then, catering particularly for the younger kids not eligible to participate in the summer sailing courses, but also for anyone else over 8 years old who wishes to join the Optimist fleet.
Click here for photos of Optimist Class in action in Sept.2009.
Optimist News - 23rd October 2009
Oppie coaching will NOT go ahead this Sunday as strong winds are forecast - so that wraps up the 2009 season.
Many thanks to everyone who helped in running the sessions to date, in particular Caitlin who did a tremendous job coaching the kids on Sundays and who also provided us with a crash boat.
It is our intention to put together a program for the Spring of 2010 catering for both the younger and more experienced Oppie sailors. Details to follow in due course. Lorna will continue to oversee the more experienced Oppie group, while Bryan Hassett has kindly agreed (with a little gentle persuasion) to oversee the younger Oppie group from now on.
Oppies are super boats in which to learn sailing skills and promote solo sailing under safe conditions. Our older group proved very competitive in both the September and October leagues and one Oppie sailor seems to be in an overall leading position - testimony to the fine job carried out by Jack Crotty in coaching the more experienced group. Class racing is exciting and we would encourage those of you who have still got Oppies to do your best to persuade your kids to join in again in the Spring. The cut off age is 14 years. We promise to make it a much fun as possible, for all ages.
If there is anyone you think may be interested in joining the group, please give them Lorna's email address. Lets build a strong fleet; these kids are the future of our club!
Optimist Plans for September '09
Message from Optimist Organiser Lorna Hyde.
"Greetings everyone,
Provided you haven't all decided to run for a sunnier climate, we have some plans to get our kids back on the water.
RACING
MBSC run a league of races for the duration of September. They will include a separate race for Optimists in Class 2. This is aimed at the more experienced Optimist sailors - those that are competent at sailing alone and have completed some level with ISA. The races will run on Sat. 5th, 12th,19th and 26th Sept. An instructor will accompany them at the starting line and around the course, equipping them with the skills needed to race in safety.The first Sat, 5th Sept, we ask you to have you children and their boats on the sandquay for 1.30pm to be briefed by the instructor before taking to the water. Racing commences at 3pm. You must register your boats with the OD so they can work out results.
To cover the cost of the instructor, the Optimist fleet will charge (€10) per boat per race, payable to Kevin Fielding on each day - that is a total cost of €40 for the course of 4 sessions.
BEGINNERS
For those kids that started Optimist training during this Summer, we will run 4 sessions on Sunday mornings at 10.30am for the month of September.€10 per child, payable each day. Total cost, €40.00.
PLEASE CHECK YOU HAVE THE USUAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO MEETING - TOW ROPE, BAILER, PADDLE, ETC.
Alan Fehilly has kindly agreed to oversee the crash boats needed for the instructors and Kevin Fielding will gladly take your cash on the day.
If you have any queries, you can email me or call me on 086 6779379.
Looking forward to seeing you all,
Regards,
Lorna."
