Nearly 100 young sailors (ages 8 – 15) are registered to participate in the 2015 United States Optimist Dinghy Association Southeast Championship at Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer on September 18 - 20. Competition takes place at Camp Sea Gull on the Neuse River September 19 – 20.
“We’re excited to continue our relationship with USODA and host the regatta again this year. It is an honor to welcome the sailors and their families to our Camps,” said John Hyde, Executive Director of Camp Sea Gull. “USODA and the Camps share similar goals of promoting the fun and educational aspects of youth sailing. That makes this an ideal partnership.”
Optimist sailing is the fastest growing sailing class in the world. Members of Pamlico County and surrounding communities are invited to attend the event that features a spectator boat that will provide up-close access to the races.
The regatta is a USODA Team Trials Qualifying (TTQ) event. The top 25 percent of the field will be eligible to compete in the 2016 Team Trials. Camp Seafarer alumna Taran Teague will serve as the Principal Race Officer running the regatta. Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer are thrilled to have one of their former staff members returning to lead this event.
The weekend will also feature a Green Fleet "learn to race" clinic with Camp Sea Gull’s Sailing Master, Benton Morton from Wilmington, NC. Visit www.usoda.org or contact Camp Sea Gull at (252) 249-1212 to register.
At Optimist regattas, sailors are put into age groups called fleets. Trophies are typically awarded to the top skippers in each fleet. White fleet is for skippers who are 10 and under. Blue fleet is for skippers ages 11 -12. Red fleet is for skippers ages 13 - 15. At most regattas, the red, blue and white fleets all start at the same time and race on the same course. The Green Fleet is for beginners ages 6 - 15.