Preparing for a sail at the Ravensbourne Yachting Club are,
from left, coach Steven Phillips, Connor McDonald (12),
Oliver Palmer-Hargreaves (13), Aidan Braid (13), Bryn
Fisher (14), Fraser Braid (12), Max South (14), Will
Marcinowski (13), George Early (12), organiser/coach Peter
Graham and Dylan Edwards (12). Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Young sailors in Otago are getting a major boost with the
introduction of an Optimist sailing series.
The series is the brainchild of Ravensbourne laser sailor
Peter Graham.
He organised the series, which is tailored for 8 to
13-year-olds, because he had received feedback from children
involved in a winter series who wanted a similar one in
summer.
"A couple of kids asked if I could set one up and it was
something I would have wanted when I was growing up."
Graham said he wanted to get the children together in the
summer to create a positive and competitive atmosphere.
He is sponsoring the series through his business, Traffic
Management Control Limited, at no cost to the children.
Coaching, resources, racing skins and prizes are provided.
Pip Early, whose son George is currently leading the series,
said Graham was a quiet achiever who worked tirelessly for
young sailors and never expected anything in return.
"For Peter to take the initiative and do this simply because
he loves sailing is fantastic."
The leader of the series will wear a black top, similar to
the concept of the yellow jersey in the Tour de France.
Early said the children were excited about the idea.
"These kids are thrilled to get on the water and compete."
The series started on October 8 and will finish in March,
with a break over the summer holiday period. To prevent any
clashes, it is being run in conjunction with the Otago Yacht
Club's regattas.
There are seven races, spread around the clubs: Ravensbourne,
Macandrew Bay, Burkes/St Leonards, Otago Yacht Club, Vauxhall
and Port Chalmers.
All competitors gain points in each race and the first,
second and third-placed overall winners will receive a prize
at the end of the series.
The goal is to motivate and increase the number of young
sailors in the sailing community.
Graham said for the children to be eligible for prizes in
each race, five boats had to compete. Whether that happened
was entirely up to the children.
"The onus is on the kids to ring around and make sure there
are enough competitors."
Optimist sailing provides an entry into competition for young
sailors around the world. There are nine children competing
in the series.
Graham has been involved in sailing all his life. He has been
to four world championships, where he competed in the 49er
class, with a best placing of 11th in 2004.
He has also competed in numerous other sailing events and
classes.
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