The 2024 Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta was held at the Qingdao International Olympic Sailing Village, Fushan Bay Qingdao China from the 5th September to 12th September 2024. Our four sailors were Alina Romanenko (Nelson Yacht Club), Georgia Barker (NSC), Frankie Barker (NSC) and Ula Chan (NSC), supported by Coach Dan Barker (Napier Sailing Club). The Optimist Regatta consisted of 97 sailors (59 boys and 38 girls) and was part of Qingdao International Sailing Week which included other sailing classes. The countries that participated in this regatta included Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Poland, Russia, South Africa and our host, China.
Day 1: Training Day (5 September)
The first day of training began in beautiful hot, humid weather conditions and in front of a spectacular Qingdao skyline. Our four sailors were ready to sail new waters with excitement, and a touch of healthy nerves. A flurry of action throughout the morning at the Olympic Sailing Village where our girls were allocated with near new boat hulls and gear. The organisers provided an enormous, shaded tent area with enough sail racks for all, close to the water. Whilst still in NZ we were advised by the OZ team that it would be advantageous to hire a private RHIB. As a result, we decided to share a private hire RHIB with the Australian team as opposed to joining the other six countries on the two supplied support RHIBs. This turned out to be crucial later in ensuring our girls got to the racecourse on time and got back to shore relatively easier with the extremely light conditions. The added room allowed two extra family members to support their sailors. Some sailors from other countries were not so fortunate.
The girls trained in unpredictable 6 knots winds which came in the direction of the towering skyscrapers. The average temperature of the water and air was about 26 – 28°C. Two valuable hours were spent in the Yellow Sea. All four sailors returned to the pier smiling despite the lack of wind and intense heat with stories of various things they had to dodge including fishing nets and other interesting debris. It also dawned on some of the sailing families that the skiff suits and heavy splash jackets transported were only going to be useful for protecting fragile purchases. The qualifying races were announced to begin the following day, with males and females separated with two fleets of girls of 18 sailors per fleet. Both fleets will be racing as one on the same course for all races. The organiser hoped to get four races in on the first day. Go Team New Zealand!
Day 2: Qualifying series
A stunning day, with a light sea breeze, dense humidity and a high temperature of 30°C. Our team arrived by bus to the sailing venue early with stacks of bottled water, packed lunches that were provided. Ula and Georgia were in one fleet and Alina and Frankie in the other. The girls had some reasonable starts but the regular moments of low or no wind created the biggest challenge for all sailors. Three qualifying races were completed with results in green fleet: Ula (6, 12, 5), Georgia (14, 7, 9) and in white fleet: Alina (10, 5, 4) and Frankie (9, 6, 11). The girls were feeling exhausted from the intense heat by the time they reached the pier. It was announced that due to an important event in the vicinity there was going to be minimal sailing the following day, if at all. As a result, we could only get access to the boats from about 2 pm. Our team had a wonderful interpreter who kept communications and movements for our team clear and up to date.
In the evening, after a power break and dinner, we headed by bus to the Olympic Sailing Venue for the Opening ceremony of the 16th Qingdao International Sailing week, Qingdao International Festival 2024 and the 1st China (Qingdao) International Marine Sports Conference Opening. The evening included traditional Chinese dance, key speakers, VIP guests and presentations to the China medallists of Paris Olympic Games 2024. Georgia and Ula represented our team by flying the friendship flag and Dan Barker was invited to sign the Qingdao International Friendship agreement document between China and NZ along with other countries. This event, which ended late, allowed some to appreciate the very pleasant evening climate (23°C) and daily light shows on the waterfront afterwards.
Day 3: Qualifying series
Another day of extremely light conditions with an average of 3 – 5 knots with just one race completed to finish the qualifying series. We were surprised to find out that all the qualifying fleets would not be reshuffled at any point of the qualifying series. The race kicked off at 3pm despite the lack of wind. Our girls were fresh after the morning off. The sailors were hoping for more wind but that did not eventuate. The girls completed one race and came off the water in very good spirits. The final series fleets were decided; Gold fleet: Alina 7th, Frankie 9th and Ula 15th. Silver fleet: Georgia 11th.
That evening, each country had to present their closing ceremony performance to the Qingdao committee. Our girls, “Kiwi Wahine”, performed the NZ National Anthem in sign language and a traditional poi dance. It was early to bed afterwards to rest up for the next day of sailing.
Day 4: Final series
First day of the final series began with the usual 9am briefing followed by a 9.30am launch. The sailors were towed out to the racecourse only to bob around waiting for some wind. After an hour, the sailors were towed back and waited in scorching conditions. The wait and lack of wind brought up some nerves. Some sailors were content for no sailing to happen but some were eager to be given a chance to pick up a few places. We kept the girls well hydrated, fed and in the shade. Finally, at 2pm everyone relaunched, and enough wind was found at 3 knots gusting 5 to start the first final series. Our girls showed great stamina in the heat of races 5 and 6, while exhaustion started to set in for races 7 and 8. Cold drinks were waiting for our sailors on arrival back in. It was a long day before pack up was completed. Results after today – Gold: Ula 9th, Alina 15th, Frankie 16th. Silver: Georgia 2nd.
Day 5: Final series
Bottled water by the dozen were loaded into the bus again as we headed down to the Olympic Sailing Centre for our last day of competition. To most teams’ disappointment we were told a few days earlier that there would be one less sailing day which meant today was the last sailing day. The wind looked more promising with gusts of 10 knots. Perhaps Qingdao saved the best wind till last. It was a sticky, hot and humid set up, briefing and launch. The final two races were scheduled and completed as planned fairly promptly. The fantastic GPS technology trackers ensured all parents and families had the ability to watch every tack and jibe throughout the week. The final placements of the regatta were tallied as teams dismantled their sails, boats and equipment ready for return. As usual, the equipment returning process was stressful as every sailor’s cash deposit was on the line. Our evening was completed with a memorable team dinner to celebrate the end of an amazing Regatta. The final results of Gold fleet: Ula 7th, Frankie 16th, Alina 17th. Silver fleet: Georgia 7th.
Day 6: Cultural experience
Sailing was cancelled. The organisers used this day to take everyone to experience a cultural outing to see some of the tourist attractions in Qingdao. The sailors were also invited to make mooncakes that evening, as it was the mooncake festival in China at the time.
Day 7: Closing ceremony (11 September)
An organised rehearsal of the closing ceremony was scheduled in the afternoon. That evening the prize giving and closing ceremony were celebrated on an outside full-sized stage on the waterfront. There were performances from each country as well as by a local school choir and drumming group. Our “Kiwi Wahine” performed beautifully. Funnily enough the only time it ever rained while we were in Qingdao was during the NZ performance, and the rain stopped just when they finished their performance. Perhaps the rain was just adding a touch of NZ weather to our traditional dance. Both Georgia and Ula were awarded with prizes for being in the top 8 of their fleet. The evening ended with a long game of tag played inside the hotel by the majority of the sailors from all countries, along with shirt swapping and souvenir gifting.
You must be logged in to post a comment.