Racing Practice with 12-year-olds

[Christian Williams]

I had no idea of the commitment it takes to compete in Optimist prams.

These kids are the competition team of my yacht club, and they already know more about dinghy racing than I ever did. I gotta admit I learned a thing or two by watching them.

 

[Blue Streak]

Excellent coach too!

 

[bgary]

Good coaching! And, that start at 1:22.... dang!

 

[Bob Robertson]

That was really fun to watch.

Thanks!
Bob

 

[Prairie Schooner]

Nice. "Love your boat."

 

[toddster]

It's amazing. The local community sailing program is running two or three sessions every day for ages 5 - 16 and both local High Schools have teams. I heard they got a grant to pay for a full time sailing coach. This was totally unimaginable when I was a kid.
I'm sure that many of these kids could sail circles around me

 

[Loren Beach]

I'm sure that many of these kids could sail circles around me

Oh Yeah. You got that right. My first racing experience was as (supposedly) an adult, in 1976, in a Ranger 20. We did have 25 on a starting line often tho, in those days.
The balance and agility of these kids is near amazing to watch.

 

[Blue Streak]

Whether you are talking ski racing, car racing, or boat racing, there is no substitute for starting young.

 

[Mike Brockman]

My Son and Daughter raced in the youth PNW youth circuit 17 years ago in Opti's. As a parent it was great time and great memories.
We would get out on the keel boat for Tuesday night races and get one race and start in, they would get out for a practice coach night and get a dozen starts in. Amazing sailors at young age. I probably learned more from them then I did from my own experiences.