ZVYC Optimist fleets, 2023/2024 Season

Report by Kendal Madel

The  ZVYC junior training program has had a steady increase in numbers of beginner Learn- to sail ( Novice) children from January 2024 and a very successful progression of the 2023 start of season Novice  Oppie sailors to Intermediate Oppie sailors and for the first time in 3 years since Covid and the subsequent vlei closure we have a solid 6 boat B fleet, which is incredibly encouraging looking forward to the 2024/2025 season.

We have the excellent coaching team managing our program, Jeamayne, Arin, Alex, Chiara, and Monica, and the growth within our program has been excellent.

Our Novice and Intermediate group has been on average 10- 12 sailors weekly, our B fleet have been committed and we are encouraging this B fleet to consistently compete in regattas (circuit/ provincial and National) from the beginning of the 2024/ 2025 season. Something of great excitement within our new B fleet is that half of our new B fleet are girls. With the ongoing promotion of women in sailing this is very encouraging.

 

 

 

 

Our A fleet although reduced in numbers, suffering the aftermath of covid and closures, 5 most weekends, have had excellent sets of results Nationally and provincially due to consistent training and our excellent coaching team.  ZVYC is very proud to have sailor representation at 2023 IODA Worlds Champs, 2023 IODA Asian Champs and the upcoming 2024 IODA African Championships as well as 2024 IODA Worlds Championships.