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Santa Irene Club de Vela Newsletter - 28th April 2010
We have had two Sunday´s with very little wind, nevertheless, we´ve had a good turn out of Members and friends with enthusiasm to get a few jobs done. The R.I.B has been on duty, towing in any stranded dinghies and we always enjoyed the day. It´s been great to have a couple of youngsters from Los Gallardos, keen to learn , I´m happy to say: we were able to get them on the water. At the end of the day, even washing down boats became a bit of fun!
I´m hoping from now on, we´ll be seeing my “Oppies” on the water; the last time we used them was on the Cuevas Canal.
It´s amazing that the little 7 ft 6 in. or 2.3 metre ”Optimist” is still recognized Worldwide as the best boat for introducing Children to the Sport of Sailing. Designed in 1947, there must be several Hundred Thousand of them around the World.
At the beginning of the month, at Lake Garda, in Northern Italy, the “Optimist” Class held their 28th International Regatta, 29 countries were involved. How many “Oppies” were there? “993” an unexpected record entry. Crisis!! What crisis, the young sailors, 8 to 15 year old, were there to enjoy them selveses. In the Category for the under 12 year old, Albert Gelpi was invencible with four 1st places and one 2nd to win “Gold. Albert, is a young sailor from Spain! I havent been able to find out from which Club yet, one day, in the very distant future, it could be Our´s.
At the same time in Holland, there was another 4 day Regatta for “Oppies”. With 230 young sailors, mainly from Northern Europe, where British “Oppies” ruled the waves. In the Gold fleet, Scott Wallis was 2nd, Josh Voller 3rd, First Girl was Sarah Norbury. In the Silver fleet, Rowan Edwards was 1st , Frazer Woodley was 3rd . In the Bronze fleet, Guy Kinson was 1st . The UK Sailors Won the Team Prize.
Staying with “Oppies”, I will try to remind you when the next major Championship racing takes place at Club the Mar, Almeria, there is always more than 100 boats taking part. What a pity they race so far out, nevertheless, it´s great to see the youngsters preparing their boats to go racing; a few of them will only be 8 year old. Perhaps the organizers one day, will consider doing what the Extrem 40 ft Catamarans do on occasions “ bring the sport to the people” and race in the Almeria Port. What a sight that would be. Many of those Extreme 40 Catamaran sailors started in “Oppies” as did many Olympic sailors.
If in the future some one says the “Optimist” is for Lake sailing only, beware, they know very little about the sport of sailing. Perhaps some youngster will delve into their computer and tell me how many “Optimist” dinghies there are in the World!!
Hope to see you Sunday morning at El Rincon del Puerto, Garrucha.
Take care.
John Talliss
Tel : 950 475 157
Movil: 658 548 790
E-mail johntalliss@gmail.com
Sailing News Sol Times - 5th May 2010
What a day it has been, what a fair mood I´m in, it´s almost like being in the Caribbean. The day was Sunday the 2nd of May, it was the happy day for us all; 9 boats on the water.
First, coffee and a chat with members and friends at the “ Rincon del Puerto” club house.
Then both the “Tideway” and “Casi Casi” with their tan coloured sails were off on the Road to Morocco but changed their minds. Down the slipway, went the Hobie Cat with Craig and Amanda, followed by the “Europe”, “420”, “Pastinaca” and the R.I.B. “Pelwist” was sailing, The “Wayfarer” was waiting for Michael to arrive. The “Toppers” and “Oppies” were waiting for some young blood. I was looking back on the last 8 years and feeling good.
Actually, it all started 10 years ago, when I decided to built two “Optimist” dinghies ; I had two young friends Analisa and Marian. Years earlier, I was going to fit out a 36 ft. Mono-Hull but it didn´t happen, so I felt good when I completed my first 7 ft 6 in. “Oppie” in the Millennium year. By 2001, the second was well on its way, bur during that year, I was needed in the UK, I was there nearly 7 months. However, it gave me the opportunity to acquire 5 dinghies, near the end of the year, I was able to return home, I hired a Mercedes Sprinter Van, 4 dinghies went in side and one on the roof. On the 19th to December , I took the Ferry to Cherbourg and arrived in Northern Spain to be welcomed with snow. After some painting and varnishing, my 7 dinghies were ready for a Bost Show!
With the help of Sharon Penfold and Miguel Egea, the “Statutes” of the Club were completed, all 29 pages, it was now May 2002. Mojacar Councilor Beatriz, a local school teacher, and Miguel were able to arrange for us to use the new Artisan Centre for a “Boat Show” during the weekend 31st May and 1st of June, all the paper work for the Club had been completed on the 28th of May.
So it was Santa Irene Club was born. My Sincere Thanks to every one who have helped us on our way. Especially, Vic Benson who introduced us to Catamaran Sailing and has been a Piller of strength within the Club.
You want to go sailing ? Visit us at “Rincon del Puerto” Garrucha, Sunday morning 11 am.
Enjoy your day.
John Talliss
Tel : 950 475 157
Movil: 658 548 790
E-mail johntalliss@gmail.com
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