Optimist tack to mark Olympic countdown

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) Open Weekend took place at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) at the weekend.

On Sunday, 25 July, three hundred Optimist sailors took to the water to attempt a challenge of simultaneously tacking on a whistle.  They provided a stunning spectacle on the 2012 Games waters as they successfully co-ordinated eight tacks in a uniquely engineered sequence that has never been attempted before.

It took place before the practice race which kicks off an exciting week of sailing in the Volvo Musto Optimist British National and Open Championship.  The youth regatta welcomes 498 sailors across three classes from Europe, Asia and even Oceania. 

The Academy was basking in sunshine as family members, locals and press, including mags4dorset, eagerly awaited the challenge which has been the cause of much hype.  The anticipation was well worth the wait as the successful optimists provided a magnificent scene for all to witness.
 
It was a great way to start the week which can only get better for the Optimist sailors.  Later in the week they will be treated to a visit from Olympians Sarah Ayton and Saskia Clark who will be taking time out of their busy schedule to go out on the water with the youth sailors and offer advice and tips.  Triple Olympian champion Ben Ainslie began his journey to the top of the sport in an Optimist and he will be making an appearance during this special week to inspire the young sailors to become the future racing stars. 
 
The Volvo Musto Optimist British National and Open Championship sailors have brought a large amount of visitors to the area with an estimated £1.5 million pounds being injected to the local economy.  Many young sailors using their skill to successfully complete the Tacking on the Whistle Challenge will have aspirations of Olympic sailing one day like many of their predecessors from the Optimist class.
 
John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, said, “The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy was the perfect location for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to host this Open Weekend Challenge. The Optimist fleet managed an impressive eight tacks on the whistle as a group providing a stunning display for those watching.”

John told mags4dorset, “It was a wonderful event and marked the countdown to the Olympic Games, which begins on Tuesday.  Many of the Olympic sailors are based here and the Open Championship has attracted nearly 500 competitors from all over the world."