Team Race Nationals (July 16-19) – Team Racing consisted of 24 teams who competed in a Swiss League format, which set teams of four against each other on a short, tight course. The sailors completed 108 races over a course of three days. The format resulted in two divisions, with Gold being the top level and Silver the second. Going into the last race, LISOT Blue led Lauderdale YC 4 by 3 points. But the race, which counted 6 points was won by Lauderdale YC 4. As a result, first place in the Gold division went to the Lauderdale YC 4 Team, made up of Wade Waddell, Liza Toppa, Alie Toppa, Christopher Williford, and Duncan Williford. The LISOT Blue Team of Alexandra DelBello, Reiner Eenkema van Dijk, Drew Gallagher, Ty Ingram, and Harry Koeppel finished in 2nd place. In 3rd place were Andy Widmeier, Justine O’Connor, Ben Kern, Ian MacDiarmid, Nic Muller, and Wiley Rogers on Team M One. The LISOT Black Team, made up of Jared Gaynes, Matthew Kaplan, Will Logue, Jack Parkin, and Sean Walsh, came in 4th place.

In the Silver division, the LISOT Red Team of Matt Logue, Florian Eenkema van Dijk, Henry Fernberger, Travis Bobley, and Russell Clarida took 1st place Benton Cove Racing Team members Tyler Fleig, Noah Kelleher, Cameron Grubb, and Olivier Grubb finished in 2nd place. The Gnarly Red team, made up of KB Knapp, Peter Sterflinger, Ceci Wollmann, Chrissie Klinger, and Jack Budhill finished 3rd. The Loot Silver Team of Alec Chicoine, Joey Diamond, Mehvish Khan, Alyson Turner, and Amy-Katherine Turner came in 4th place.

Girls Nationals (July 20) – In this part of the event, 80 very talented girl sailors competed in three races on a 1.5-mile trapezoid course. Haddon Hughes of Houston Yacht Club came in 1st place, winning the girl champion title. She was followed by Eliot Caple of Naples Sailing Center in 2nd place and KB Knapp of Cold Spring Harbor Beach Club in 3rd. Martina Sly of Coral Reef Yacht Club finished in 4th place. After the day’s racing, the girls and the other competitors got to meet Anna Tunnicliffe, 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner, 2-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and 2009 World Sailor of the Year. She gave them some valuable sailing advice and signed autographs. She also posed for photos with the girls, who got to wear her gold medal. The young sailors really enjoyed meeting Anna and asking questions about how she achieved so much in their sport.

Open Fleet Nationals (July 21-24) – For the open fleet, Day 1 and Day 2 were scheduled for qualifying races that placed the sailors into Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Pearl Fleets. This format allowed the top sailors to compete against those with similar abilities. Day 2 did not have enough wind to race, so the qualifying races only actually took place on Day 1. On Day 3, the four fleets each got in 2 races. They completed 3 races on the fourth and final day of the regatta. In Gold Fleet, Nic Muller of US Sailing Center of Martin Co. came in 1st place. Richard Schuurmans of Houston Yacht Club came in 2nd place and Harry Koeppel of Larchmont Yacht Club finished in 3rd place. In 4th place was Eliot Caple of Naples Sailing Center. Girls overall winners were Eliot Caple of Naples Sailing Center in 1st place, Haddon Hughes from Houston Yacht Club in 2nd and Alexandra DelBello of American Yacht Club

In Silver, Alie Toppa of Lauderdale Yacht Club finished in first. She was followed by Ford McCann of Texas Corinthian Yacht Club in 2nd, Audrey Giblin of Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club in 3rd, and Federico Jover of Uruguay in 4th. In Bronze, Jed Londrey of Fishing Bay Yacht Club won 1st place. Sophie Sole of Houston Yacht Club came in 3rd, Jensen Mctighe of Lauderdale Yacht Club came in 4th, and Matt Logue of Riverside Yacht Club finished in 4th. In Pearl Fleet, Gantt Shiflet of Davis Island Yacht Club finished in 1st place. Jillian Ticatch of Houston Yacht Club came in 2nd, Thad Hutcheson of Texas Corinthian Yacht Club came in 3rd, and Stephen Streater of Norfolk Yacht Club came in 4th.

View results, photos, video and more now on at the event website http://optinationals2010.org

About Fishing Bay Yacht Club
Fishing Bay Yacht Club is a private non-profit sailing club located in Deltaville Virginia, on scenic Fishing Bay in the mouth of the Piankatank River. FBYC promotes the art of sailing through Junior, One Design, and Offshore Racing and Cruising. FBYC could not present an event of this magnitude without the support of the USODA Partners (including Name Partner Layline) its Local Hosts Deltaville Maritime Museum, Deltaville Boatyard, Jackson Creek Condos, Harbor House Community, Norton Yachts, Chesapeake Yacht Sales, and Christchurch School, along with generous contributions from numerous sponsors listed on the event website at http://optinationals2010.org, a state of the art site replete with more information about the event. For more information on FBYC, please visit www.fbyc.net

Yesterday morning, the Green Fleet stayed on shore after the skippers’ meeting in order to get to know each other and so that Coach Tom Coleman could give them some instruction. He taught them about the five-minute start sequence and made sure they understood the course.

Around 12:30 yesterday, and after eating lunch, the sailors started launching their boats. Race Committee, headed by Mark Hayes, set up a triangle course and ran four races. Many sailors displayed strong racing skills. However, coaches were encouraged to help all competitors that were in the back half of the fleet.

This morning, the Green Fleet again stayed on shore after the 8:30 skipper’s meeting. Tom Coleman gave the kids a chance to ask questions about the previous day’s racing. He also asked those that did particularly well to share their strategies for the start and the windward leg so that others could improve. He and Mark Hayes both used the session to talk to the sailors about clearing the finish area and the final leg so that Race Committee could see everyone’s finish.

Racing began much earlier, with sailors launching their boats around 10:00. Today’s racing was designed to build on the sailors’ knowledge. Courses included the triangle course from yesterday as well as the windward – leeward and the modified Olympic. Green Fleet got in four races today, with a pause in the middle for lunch and swimming. The air was light, which made for good conditions for the youngest sailors and challenged the higher level skippers to get as much speed as possible out of their boats.

It has been a great regatta so far for the Green Fleet, and the sailors will hopefully get in a good number of races tomorrow as well. They seem to be having a lot of fun and learning a great deal.

For photos from yesterday, please click here. Today’s photos can be found here.

The Coach or responsible person from each sailing association or Yacht club, will pick up his/her lunches for their entire club, and sign off on them.

The sandwiches will be placed in a large brown bag with each club name on the outside, waters will be handed out daily with lunches 1 bottle per competitor.

Officials will be able to pick up their lunches there daily as well.

A complete recap all of all of the food options for both competitors and parents can be found here.

How can I get my child started into Optimist racing?

Ideally your son/daughter has had at minimum of two weeks in a learn-to-sail program sailing solo in an Optimist Dinghy, Opti Trainer or Sabot. Did they have a great time? Do they seem excited to continue? Their instructor may be a good place to start as far as assessing the skill level achieved by your aspiring “Olympian” and if they are ready. But often, even they are not aware what a great experience a professionally managed GreenFleet event can offer new sailors.

It’s not uncommon to hear parents rave that their child learned more at a 2-4 day GreenFleet event than they did all summer in sail camp. Parents are invited to learn too!

And exactly what is this GreenFleet I’ve heard so much about?

GreenFleet is where beginner racing sailors “learn their manners”. We slow things down. It’s our job to answer ALL their questions and quell their anxieties as well as to fuel their desire to learn. This is all accomplished while playing and having FUN! Parents often learn as much as their kids and are encouraged to “listen in”. A good GreenFleet is best lead by an experienced racing coach who knows the Optimist, but more importantly knows and really cares about kids and how to bring top level skills down to their level. My philosophy is that I am teaching life-skills and that sailing is the medium, not really the object. I am known for making GreenFleet “FUN”, but I am a stickler for proper technique as well as stressing sportsmanship and the rules. It’s not uncommon to hear parents rave that their child learned more at a 2-4 day GreenFleet event than they did all summer in sail camp.

All that being said, GreenFleet sailors run the gamut from some who really don’t have the skills or desire to be there to some who can beat half the competitive fleet on occasion…. AND THAT’S ALL GOOD! I’ve never seen a GreenFleeter who wasn’t challenged or who felt like they didn’t belong.

Doesn’t my child need to “qualify” to go to the Optimist Nationals or one of the regional Championship events?

Nope! But they do need to sail a Class legal Optimist. No Prams or Opti-look-a-likes. Some Opti-clones are great trainers and many regattas are starting to allow them. They just are not appropriate for a Class Championship regatta. Optis will be available for charter if you don’t have one or can’t bring your own. Some families will fly to these events and the boat is waiting for them when they arrive!

There are regattas that a sailor must qualify for, but that is well past the realm of GreenFleet.

Technically they will need to be age fifteen or under as of December 31st of the current year and must be a member of USODA (join the United States Optimist Dinghy Association).

Should I be worried about this “measurement” process?

Nope! We will have a very instructive “safety measurement”, but boats will not be “officially” measured unless I suspect that a boat and/or parts may have “issues” or may not be a true Optimist. We will not allow a registered sailor to NOT participate in one fleet or the other, we always find a way!

How do I know if my daughter/son will be OK in the GreenFleet?

Sailors in GreenFleet come in all sizes, ages and abilities. A GreenFleeter at a USODA event is no different than a GreenFleeter at most club events. Ideally, they should be able to handle their boat in 10, maybe 15 knots of wind. If they can sail around a triangle course and have good control of their boat, have even a “basic” understanding of the racing rules and want to be there… they will have an awesome time. Even if they are a little shy in one area or another, if they have a good attitude and are willing to learn, they will have an incredible experience.

If they can sail around a triangle course and have good control of their boat, have even a “basic” understanding of the racing rules and want to be there… they will have an awesome time.

How do I know if my sailor should join the GreenFleet or the competitive fleet?

You will want to discuss this with your sailor and probably the sailor’s instructor or sailing director. (Note: Beware that even if your racer has a year or so under their belt, they may have the best experience, learn more and still be very challenged in GreenFleet. It’s a shame more kids don’t stay in GreenFleet longer. Usually it’s the parents and home-program coaches pushing them a little too hard, but mostly because they are not aware of what I offer at these events). The decision is ultimately up to the parents. Placing an unwilling, untrained sailor on the competitive course may be detrimental to their love of the sport. I’ve seen it happen time and again. In most instances, if you need to question which course they should be on, the answer is GreenFleet. The official policy of USODA allows sailors to drop from the competitive fleets (White, Blue and Red age level fleets) down to GreenFleet, (usually at a large or more competitive event or if they are recent to the competitive fleet – Nationals is a good example).

The main emphasis on the Red (ages 13-15), Blue (11-12) and White (up to age 10), age level fleets (referred to as the competitive or Championship fleet) is on competition. Serious competition at a big event IS fun for most of the sailors, but they’ve got to know the rules and should be very comfortable in handling an Opti in winds of fifteen knots or more (racing may continue in upwards of 25 knots!). Very few, if any, sailors at this level have been racing for less than a year. Most have a couple years racing and many five years or more. They will be competing against some of the very best sailors in the nation. Windward legs of a mile are not uncommon and the typical course is the Opti trapezoid. Their day on the water is often 8-9 hours! Judges will be on the water and some sailors may be knocked out of the race at the start. Some teams will have hired high level coaches. This is the best and most exciting competitive sailing for kids under sixteen in the country. Scoring is done according to age groups, but the nine year olds start with and sail against the fifteen year olds (and sometimes beat ‘em!).

Now if you register your child for the competitive level fleet racing and they find after a couple hours on the water that they are “in over their heads”, they can often “step down” to the GreenFleet course, which is great, but at the option of the PROs (Principle Race Officers). I’ve seen far too many kids sitting-out regattas after a teary and disappointing first day when they should have sailed over (with an escort) and joined GreenFleet. Once a sailor “steps down”, they must stay for the duration. Sailors cannot “move up” from GF to competitive course, that’s against the rules.

Sure, the GreenFleeters are competing too, but having FUN and learning is where we place the emphasis. Usually the the GreenFleet (GF) completes more races than the competitive fleet. We aren’t so fussy about having a perfect line. We cruise the line to avoid general recalls (but do call back OCS sailors). In GF we never use the ‘black flag’… where sailors can be disqualified from a race at the start (that’s a tough lesson and not FUN!). Our courses are much shorter so they get more starts, more mark roundings and more finishes (and chances to rest… and have water battles!)

I normally follow my son around in our jon boat to help him when he needs me. I should be there on the water for him, right?

Yes and no. It’s comforting for your young sailor to know you are out there if he/she needs you. It’s nice for them to be able to visit you between races, but leave the coaching to Tom and a few of the other specially trained coaches that will be helping on the water. Your presence on or close to the course may compromise the opportunity for your sailor to grow and gain some independence. Tears will flow less frequently in the immediate absence of the parents.

If you interfere with other competitors, even accidentally, you may disqualify your sailor. Join the other parents on the spectator boat and relax! When your daughter approaches make sure your greeting is not “well, how did you do? Make it “Wow, you did so well!” and “You look like you’re having so much FUN. I’m proud of you!” Ease up on the pressure, at this age kids already put too much pressure on themselves.

Parents learn that their kids are safe, well cared for and are learning a lot of good life-lessons…and the improvement race after race is phenomenal!

So the sailors can be coached while racing?

One of the biggest differences between the Competitive Fleet and GreenFleet is that the bottom half of the fleet can be actively coached. You’ll see me and other select coaches zipping in and among the competitors urging them to sit properly and pull their sails in, to “get their heads out of the boat” and watch for wind shifts. It’s amazing what can be taught under these conditions. We expect every sailor to learn new skills and get better during the regatta… and they always do.

Trying not to let my wake cause problems for the sailors, I’ll often catch the first boats around the marks calling an occasional foul or merely pointing a finger to help keep the sailors on their toes and let them know that the rules WILL be enforced. Mostly, the coaches and I will be found bringing up the rear, helping bail out a soggy Opti and cheer up a teary competitor. But most of the time, with an overall eye on the safety of every sailor, merely being there keeps things running smoothly and fairly. The kids quickly come to know they can count on us to keep things FUN, but that proper technique, focus, attitude and striving to do your best are expected. Parents learn that their kids are safe, well cared for and are learning a lot of good life lessons….and the improvement race after race is phenomenal!

My daughter has been winning all the races in our club in Missouri where she is in the Blue Fleet, but I don’t think she’s ready for the competitive fleet. Will she be challenged in GF?

One of the interesting things about the GF is the range of talent. Some of them are good enough to finish in the middle of the competitive fleet on occasion. Some may have previously won competitive fleet regattas. And that’s OK too! (USODA allows sailors to move back and forth, regatta to regatta). The great thing about that is they help bring up the level of the rest of the sailors. The less skillful sailors can learn a lot from watching them and trying to beat them. There will be some incredible sailors in the GreenFleet at a Championship regatta. And they ALL will learn!

For many of the sailors, this will be their very first regatta away from their home program. We ensure that it’s an experience they will want to repeat. Starting them off with not only the proper skills, but the proper attitude and expectations is extremely important. Our goal is that each sailor goes away with a thirst to do it again. We know that if we accomplish that …. We’ve done a good job”.

What goals do you set for the sailors in GF?

While no sailor is forced to participate, the timid ones are carefully led through steps to get them to join the group and into the FUN as soon as possible. As a group, our first assignment will be to make friends and meet all the other kids. Rarely is there a sailor who shies away for very long!

For many of the sailors, this will be their very first regatta away from their club. We ensure that it’s an experience they will want to repeat. Starting them off with not only the proper skills, but the proper attitude and expectations is extremely important. Our goal is that each sailor goes away with a thirst to do it again. We know that if we accomplish that …. We’ve done a good job”.

What’s this about free clinics each day?

Another great feature of OPTIGUYTOM GreenFleet events are the daily clinics on rigging, go fast techniques, rules, sail trim and shaping, safety, starting etc. all led by top level Opti trained coaches. Parents are welcome and say they learn as much, if not more than the kids! While the competitive fleet may be killing time on shore or bobbing around near the committee boat waiting for wind the GF is entertained on shore with clinics games and other fun activities. We won’t leave them to wander (but parents or guardians are expected to be nearby).

The GreenFleet is commonly kept together for land storage and usually launch after the competitive fleet. While some groups will keep their GreenFleeters with their other sailors, the best experience will come from staying with the GF group on shore. Safety and concerns that each and every sailor feels comfortable and welcome are the highest priorities for coaches for this young group. Opportunities are not only encouraged but directed, to allow the sailors to make new friends from the very start. That’s one of the ingredients to making sure they have a good time and want to come back!

How deep do they go with the trophies?

No trophies will be given. Each sailor in GreenFleet will receive a nice medallion for their efforts as competitor. The prizes these sailors take home will be the life lessons and friendships formed, hopefully treasured, long after tarnished trophies have been discarded or forgotten about.

GreenFleet Coach Tom OPTIGUYTOM Coleman can be reached at Tom@optistuff.com

Accordingly, the Host Club, FBYC, and USODA have extended the Late Fee imposition for Fleet Nationals until Midnight EDT July 1, 2010. Any late fess collected prior to to July 1 will be refunded as a credit on the charge card.

The Very Late Fees posted on the USODA Website will remain in effect for Fleet Nationals, effective Midnight EDT July 4, and for Girls Nationals, effective Midnight EDT July 12.

We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you at a USODA event soon.

1) Go to the USODA home page.

2) If you are a USODA Member, click the members only homepage

2a) If you are not a USODA Member, click the link to Join USODA before continuing on to step 3.

2b) Non-US sailors must be members of their National Authority and can gain access to the USODA registration sytstem by contacting the USODA Executive Director via usoda@usoda.org

3) Enter your credentials in the log in screen.

4) Click the ‘Regattas’ link at the top of the page

5) Click ‘Event Registration’

6) Scroll to find the event to register for

7) Click the ‘Register’ button

8 ) Add any comments and click ‘Ok’.  Follow further instructions to pay and continue from there.

Video

Click ‘Play’ to watch a short video of the registration process.

The Notice of Race for the Team Race Championship, Girls Championship and Fleet National Championship are now available and have been posted to the website.  Additionally Registration is now open through the USODA website.

View each of the NORs by going to the Regatta Information page.

Tom Coleman

Tom Coleman has agreed to serve as the Green Fleet Instructor during the 2010 US Optimist Dinghy Association Nationals July 17-24, in Deltaville Virginia. The Green Fleet will be comprised of the sailors new to the Optimist Dinghy or new to racing. The fleet focus is on learning and fun, and not on placement. Tom will be providing coaching to the sailors during the event.

This is a role Tom has served many times before including nearly a dozen USODA Nationals and more recent regattas such as the 2009 Bermuda Nationals, Texas Youth Race Week and previously at Fishing Bay Yacht Club for the 2004 Optimist Dinghy Atlantic Coast Championship. Tom holds a US Sailing Level 1 and 2 Coaching Certification and is well-known for his excellent work with Green Fleet sailors. Tom was recognized by the US Olympic Committee as the 2004 Developmental Coach of the Year for sailing.

The Green Fleet will be treated to clinics (parents invited to learn too!) each day and Tom will actively coach on the water during racing. “My reputation is that I make learning FUN for kids”, says Tom. “My emphasis, however is technical perfection and sportsmanship while keeping everything in perspective. I have often been brought in to inspire kids to ‘want’ to race after they have been turned off or had a bad experience”.

Here’s what a former OptiPop had to say:

“Thanks too, for all you have done for my son. He is absolutely thrilled and enjoying this experience. He has learned more this week than he learned all summer in his club sailing program.”

“By the way, he has returned home ABSOLUTLEY LOVING SAILING! He improved more at Nationals than he did all summer at his YC. He raced in “Club Champs” and placed second in what they call ‘Opti Ones’, and actually won a race. Thank you very much for what you have done for him, and all the other Green Fleeters!”

We’re glad to have Tom on-board as the Green Fleet Instructor. Tom will be working with Fishing Bay Yacht Club member Mark Hayes who will lead the group of volunteers running the races and providing support to the Green Fleet course. This is a great opportunity for the Green Fleet sailors as well as their parents to learn from Tom and enjoy a fantastic event. We would also like to thank sponsor, McLaughlin Boat Works www.optistuff.com, for making it possible for Tom to be here in this role.