InterIslander Opti Challenge & Port Marlborough Top of the South Youth Regatta

by Jodie Bakewell-White

Last year’s inaugural InterIslander Optimist Challenge was a huge success. A large fleet of Open and Green Fleet Optimists descended on Picton, taking full advantage of the sponsor’s great Cook Strait transport deal, many just leaving their vehicles in Wellington and walking their boats on the ferry.

Once again, event sponsor Interislander is offering some great travel options.

Last year’s Opti regatta was combined with the Splash Class National Championships, and for 2010 the accompanying regatta will be the Port Marlborough Top of the South Youth Regatta, open to P Class, Starlings, Splash, Laser 4.7 and Laser Radial. The Splash Class will be counted as the South Island Championships.

Queen Charlotte Yacht Club will again hold a welcome night, Thursday Feb 25th, with the Mayor of Marlborough, Alistair Sowman, formally opening the event. A 'Taste of Marlborough' will follow with the region’s famous mussels, salmon and wine provided by generous sponsors and cooked to perfection by Le Cafe and the QCYC kitchen team.

The Club has requested the best of Marlborough weather for the event and expect the sailors to enjoy whatever conditions are given to them; they may be different to what is usually sailed in.

The InterIslander Optimist Challenge is one of the NZIODA selection regattas for New Zealand sailors wishing to represent the country in teams travelling overseas this coming year and should not be missed by sailors wishing to be in contention.

The 'Challenge' part of the Regatta is the InterIslander Trophy for South Island vs North Island ....'Island of Origin, Opti Style'. The winner is decided from the results across the Open and Green Fleets including age group placings... and the top placed sailor of the winning Island gets to take the fabulous trophy home to their Club for the year.

Rumour has it that Kohimarama Yacht Club have organised a 'Pirate Ship' for the event!

Volunteers are required to help with Mark laying, rescue boat duties etc and will give a great opportunity to get out on the water. There will be a spectator boat available to view the action. For further information please phone Rob Burn 027 221 0751

The NOR and Sailing Instructions are available on Queen Charlotte Yacht Club website and NZIODA website

Yachting New Zealand