We are all back in NZ now and can reflect on what a successful trip the NZIODA Girls Development Team had at the New Caledonian Nationals. Another 3 more days of racing took place after the first super windy day. Luckily the breezes settled and the remaining races took place in a range from 5 to 17 knots. It was a 15 Race Regatta and with a number of general recalls taking place, our Girls got plenty of starting practise! It was crucial to be assertive to get and hold a place on the front row of the start line. With their own international regatta startline experience, our coaches Olivia Christie and Xanthe Copeland were determined to improve the Girls starts on a consistent basis amongst many other facets of sailing. With Xanthe demonstrating the sailing and bailing upwind technique, our Girls learnt tips and tricks to keep their boats dry in the wavy conditions. Olivia used her current knowledge of campaigning in the Laser Radial Women’s Class to teach the Girls about Overall Regatta plans, preparation and execution. The SRC Yacht Club put on a wonderful event and the Girls thoroughly enjoyed their first international sailing regatta.
This was the last Optimist Regatta for a few of our Girls who have now Aged or Weighted out of the Optimist Class. They are moving into the Starling and we wish them luck in their new boats. The Girls staying in the Optimist will be competing in the North Island Champs in New Plymouth in a few weeks time.
With the ethos of the NZIODA Girls Development Team being about bonding, learning, fun, networking with other Girls sailing families around NZ and encouragement to keep sailing, we look forward to following the progress of the Girls and hopefully see some pair up in double handed classes in the future! Thank you to NZIODA for this opportunity, The OWNZ Trust for their support, to our Coaches Olivia Christie and Xanthe Copeland, and all the Parents for their help and support in making this trip such a success.
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