Big Opti weekend

Queen’s Birthday Weekend starts the annual Rarotonga Sailing Club Optimist Championships.

Starting today, young sailors from the club will be competing for the club champion title.

Competitors will be at the club around 8am to prepare boats and be ready for the race briefing at 9am. Racing is due to start at 9.30am.

The competition continues on Monday with the same briefing and starting times, however an exciting event at lunchtime will see the Rarotonga Sailing Club welcome their optimist sponsors to the club for a dedication ceremony for the new optimists – now smartly fitted out with their sponsor names and ready for action.

After the customary fleet blessing, sponsors will be welcomed by young sailors to crack a coconut over the hull and after a few photo opportunities the fleet will take to the water again to contest Rarotonga Sailing Club’s teams racing championship.

Weather permitting, sponsors and spectators can go on the lagoon to watch the event.

The championships finish with the presentation around 4pm with prizes for champion, second and third, best girl, and most improved sailor.

Watch this space next week for news of the event and the new 2012 Optimist Champions.