The NZIODA Development Camp took place at Gulf Harbour over this past weekend with 25 sailors and parents staying together with their coaches for three great days of sailing. This year was particularly exciting with the sailors being able to begin their preparation for international regattas overseas for the first time since 2019.
Five of the sailors are heading over to the Optimist World Championships in Turkey, two boys and two girls are heading to Denmark for the European Championships and a big group of 18 sailors will go and compete at the New Caledonia Nationals in October.
The purpose behind the camp is to bring all of the travelling sailors, parents, and coaches together to get to know each other, share knowledge and start to build a plan on how they are going to prepare for their upcoming events. The level of sailing was impressive with the sailors across all the teams pushing each other throughout the three days. The wind was good too with light breeze on Friday for starting practice building into a solid 22 knots for racing on the Sunday. The entire open fleet from nationals were invited along to the race day and congratulations to Oli Stone who took out the day.
On land George Lee Rush and Seb Menzies did an insightful Q&A about their past international events and success and how they prepare before a regatta to be at their best. Thanks to them and their parents Steve and Greg for sharing their knowledge and experience. On Saturday evening the sailors and parents learnt more about how to eat well during events with nutritionist Jenny Bates, thanks to Jenny for giving up her time.
NZIODA is really fortunate to be able to draw upon the knowledge of our coaches Andrew Brown, Xanthe Copeland, Kim Buchanan and Wade Tresadern who are each leading a team to a regatta this year. Sam Mackay and Kerensa Jennings also filled in the place of Gareth Moore who unfortunately missed the camp due to COVID.
Lastly, a big thank you to Gulf Harbour Yacht Club who supported the camp once again, it was great to be back.
Safe travels and all the best to those travelling and competing overseas.
Best wishes from the NZ International Optimist Dinghy Association
OTHER:
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- NZIODA Guides – Download everything you need to know about OPTI
- “It all starts here!” A Guide for New Optimist Parents
- “Your on your way” A Guide for White and Open Optimist Parents
- Congratulations, You’re Representing New Zealand!
- NZIODA Optimist Clinics 2022/2023 Season – open to all fleets
- Dates are now up on our Events Page
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