JUNIOR SAILING UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 24 2007

The weekend of 22/23 September was the fifth weekend of Optimist sailing for the children and the number of members participating have grown to 23.

The last weekend we had them sailing to and rounding a buoy placed 500 m. offshore and the blustery offshore winds had them enjoying a fast run out to the buoy, gybing and then returning with a difficult shifting headwind.

They were all given capsize and righting drills, but they were unneeded and all managed to stay upright. Oddly enough, capsizing and righting the boat appeared to be the most fun and the kids kept asking to do it again.

This weekend, emphasis was placed on safety and this entailed each crew checking their own boat before hitting the water and ensuring a bailing container was attached to the boat and to wear a lifejacket at all times.

Many thanks to instructors Kunta, Mike Holly, Saard, Alex and John for their time in the water and Alan Solley and Jimmy who filmed the weekend much to the delight of the students as they viewed their activities replayed on the television.

JUNIOR SAILING UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 18 2007

The junior sailing continues to grow with the weekend of 15/16 Sept. having a mixed bunch of 18 children showing up.

The speed at which some children learn the basics of sailing in the Optimist had the instructors dumbfounded.

After only two hours in the boat they were soloing and racing each other around the anchored catamaran Crazy Horse and the Optimist appears to keep moving with the faintest of breezes.

Sunday, Captain Kunta treated all the children to a spin around the bay on the big catamaran Crazy Horse, where they learnt more boat terminology. Already plans are being brought forward to enter three Samui sailors in the next Thai National championships to be held in Pattaya in May 2008.

With each student spending two hours a day in the boat and some 15 more weekends of sailing before the championships, they should be able to give a good account of themselves at their first big regatta.

The Yacht Racing Association of Thailand has accredited Samui Yacht Club Regatta as an official sailing club and all junior members will be eligible to race in the Thai Nationals or go on to represent Thailand in the World Championships.

Visiting Italian philanthropist pledges 500 Euros to Optimist youth sailing program

Vincenzo Lombardi (right) seen here with Francesco Brancaccio was so inspired by the Samui monthly regatta’s youth sailing program that he has offered sponsorship to the tune of 500 Euros.

Vicenzo who is visiting Samui is the managing director of Steel Business International. He comes from Caserta but is now based in Milan.

During his stay on Samui Vincenzo will spend time getting to know the local yachting community.

Francesco Brancaccio, a mainstay of the Samui Monthly Regatta familiarizes  Vincenzo with the island’s first three Optimists.