| Royal Southern YC Optimist Flotilla. |
| In addition to RSrnYC Splash activities planned for 2009, we are setting up an Optimist Flotilla through the IOCA. The purpose is to provide additional sailing activities for RSrnYC Optimist sailors (all abilities), providing the opportunity for sailors to improve their skills and experience. Sailing activities will be based around IOCA Flotilla guidelines and the IOCA awards scheme and log book. |
| The first session will take place on Saturday 9th May starting promptly at 1300hrs (HW Portsmouth 1220hrs). Four other dates will be confirmed shortly. |
Format
These sessions will begin promptly with a briefing and introduction to the planned activities lasting approximately 20-30 minutes. All sailors should be changed and dressed for the prevailing conditions and boats should be rigged and ready to launch before the briefing. The group(s) will sail for approximately 1 1/2 – 2 hours before returning ashore for a short debrief before getting changed and de-rigging the boats. |
During the time afloat we will focus on giving all sailors the opportunity to enjoy themselves whilst developing their sailing skills.
The sailors may be split into different groups to ensure that the time afloat is effective and purposeful for each sailor.
Group 1 – Sailors working to achieve IOCA Grade 1 award.
Group 2 – Sailors working to achieve IOCA Grade 2 or 3 awards.
Group 3 – Sailors focusing on racing. |
| The support from the sailors’ parents is vital for these sessions to be successful and enjoyable for all involved. The activities afloat will be conducted using the IOCA flotilla guidelines and existing RSrnYC Splash guidelines and relevant rules. |
| In essence we are arranging a coordinated activity using the club facilities and cooperatively providing the opportunity for the children to sail Optimist at the club. Benefits of these activities will include providing an opportunity for the children to sail and learn whilst completing elements of the IOCA sailors log book, improve value of the RSrnYC membership for parents with children sailing Optimists, make available the opportunity for sailors and parents to prepare to go and compete at other local Optimist events, increase the use of club facilities by its Membership whilst continuing to promote sailing at grass root level at the RSrnYC. This activity aligns to the RYA Volvo Champion Club Status requirements. |
Coordination and contacts
To ensure that we are prepared fully for each session we firstly require sailors to be members of IOCA and registered as members of the RSrnYC Optimist Flotilla and then prior to each individual session confirm attendance of sailors, parent and support boat availability. Details of this process will be issued later. |
| Charlie Whelan and I have committed to coordinating the sessions this year. It is an exciting new development that will be monitored closely as we progress. We welcome feedback and encourage you to speak with us if you have any queries on the purpose and arrangements of these Saturday sessions. |
Charlie Whelan – 07733 003487 Stuart Childerley – 07525 159140
IOCA details: http://www.optimistsailing.org.uk/new/home.htm |