First For Junior Nationals

The Namibian Sailing Association hosted its Junior Nationals at Walvis Bay Yacht Club over the weekend. For the first time since its inception the event took place in the Optimist Sailing Dinghy, an international class boat designed specifically for children by American boat designer Clark Mills.

The wind on Saturday was perfect with 4-10 knots, a big relief to the organisers and sponsors of the event, Catamaran Charters, after the strong winds over the previous weeks. The race committee took advantage of the conditions and managed to sail 5 races out of the series of 8 on the Saturday.
The racing between first and third place was close and when Sunday dawned anyone of the top 3 could take the overall trophy. The first race started at low tide with a southerly wind so the race course was moved away from the club to the dismay of some of the spectators. This was followed directly by the second race which were both won by Xenia Plarre confirming her lead in the Championship.
The final race was moved back close to the club house and was two laps of a high speed reach course just off the beach to the delight of all spectators. Several boats misjudged the current and wind as they raced around the buoys and touched the buoys which they then had to re-round as penalties.
Final Results were: 1st Xenia Plarre, 2nd Tristan Keulder, 3rd Nicole Steyn, 4th Jacques Swart
The prize giving was conducted by Peter Davidson from the Namibian Sailing Association, who was also the principle race officer. Thanks to all parents who supported the event, Walvis Bay Yacht Club and the sponsor Catamaran Charters.