International Optimist Training Clinic

Over the past year in Australia we have been making a big effort to build the Optimist Class in Australia, the fleet in Australia has increased from 310 Boats to 430 Boats since February 2006. The Optimist Dinghy is the preferred single handed junior dinghy of Yachting Australia, and the only class sailing in every state of Australia. AIODA has established the Australian Optimist Sailing Team AOST and travelled as a team to the New Zealand and Singapore Nationals, AOST is endorsed and financially supported by Yachting Australia. The 2008 AOST squad of 15 members will be selected at the Australian Championships in January, and we have added teams racing to this event as per most International Optimist regattas overseas. In 2007, Australia has for the first time sent a fully coached team to the Worlds which were held in Sardinia in July. Last year the Pacific Rim & Open Optimist Championships were attended by Norway, Sweden, Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong & New Caledonia. Harald Faeste of Norway finished 19th in the 2007 Worlds and was the top 13 year old.Harald last year won Open divisions at Pac Rim & Nationals, he has already entered for 2008.We hope you can join us for lots of OptiFUN ! Yours in Sailing, Steven Bond and the AIODA Team. www.aioda.com e-mail stevenbond@oziopti.com.au website www.oziopti.com.au Steven Bond the boatyard / OziOpti office – 03 9525 3788 mobile – 0424 225 774

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