National selection up for grabs
Fifty young sailors from all round New Zealand have entered this weekend’s South Island Optimist championships in Nelson.
This is one of the larger yachting regattas in New Zealand with points counting toward selection for national representative teams.
Nelson Yacht Club Optimist fleet spokesman Richard Mangin said there were three days of racing, from Saturday to Monday, scheduled for the open fleet and two days for the green fleet of younger competitors.
‘‘The open fleet is made up of sailors under 15 years of age who are striving for selection in one of the New Zealand teams that will compete at international regattas, including the Optimist Worlds,’’ Mangin said.
He said the green fleet was open to less experienced Optimist class sailors 12 years of age and under. The emphasis was on fun and the objective was to offer younger sailors a friendly competition.
Mangin said there were dozens of volunteers helping to run the event in Nelson and a great weekend of sailing was expected from mid morning on Saturday until Monday afternoon.
There were 14 young Nelson sailors entered in the green fleet, while four locals would contest the open fleet.
‘‘The Optimist class has been growing in Nelson thanks to efforts by our local coaches and committee and it is a great opportunity for our youngsters to try a big competition on their home turf,’’ he said.
The green fleet would sail on the inner harbour, providing good viewing from along Wakefield Quay, while the open fleet was to be outside the Cut, off the lighthouse.