Thirty-Seven budding new Bermuda Optimist sailors from three local clubs participated in a Green Fleet Clinic recently, learning the basics of sailboat racing with visiting "Green Fleet Guru", Tom Coleman from the U.S. The Clinic was supported by Digicel and Riihiluoma's Flying Colours and was hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The event ran in conjunction with the Digicel National and Open Championships.
The participant's, ranging in age from 6 to13 years, experienced challenging wind conditions in Hamilton Harbour all three days but persevered admirably. Race organizers were able to complete six races over Saturday and Sunday but high winds on Monday kept the young sailors within the confines of Barr's Bay, practicing their boat handling skills and playing in the park. The sailors enjoyed learning about starting, mark rounding’s, gybing and avoiding collisions with each other. or not.
They were also able to practice lots of capsizing and bailing but were well rewarded back on land with hot chocolate and brownies. While participation is always the focus of a Green Fleet Clinic, the racing did produce noteworthy performances. After six races Brandon Adams was the top sailor followed by Christopher Adderley and then Chris DeSilva. The top girl for the weekend was Megan Patterson who was also 4th overall in the fleet.
The overwhelming response from all sailors and parents was that the goal of learning to race while having fun was certainly met. The Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA) looks forward to seeing these sailors out on the water. More Green Fleet clinics are in the planning stages as clubs aim to capitalize on the interest shown this past weekend. Lots of parental help both on and off the water is the key to the success of youth sailing and it looks like this new generation of kids and their parents are well poised to move into the sport with a lot of enthusiasm and gusto. BODA want to thank Tom Coleman, the RBYC, sponsors and the many volunteers for the support demonstrated over the weekend and look forward to more fun on the water with the Green Fleet!!!
