Royal Geelong yacht Club takes on Optimists

9:49 AM Tue 14 Apr 2009 GMT

'’Menace 2’ ready to go - Royal geelong Yacht Club Optimist' Sue Case Click Here to view large photo

Due to the growing numbers of Juniors and the successful Tackers program, Royal Geelong Yacht Club has decided to take on the Optimist class to add to it's already successful International Cadet fleet.

A Saturday morning racing program is being set up to commence in the 09/10 season and six new boats have already been purchased by members who also want to join in on the Optimist championships programs. RGYC's own plastic Opti's will also be available for this program in a 'B' division.

RGYC instructor Sue Case said ' the response has been fantastic with two parents from the current group of Tackers program purchasing boats. This is a natural progression for our club to retain not only children who complete our course but also families. Because of our growth in numbers, finding positions on Cadets was becoming difficult and we certainly didn't want to lose anyone so this is a great decision'.

Corio Bay would seem a perfect venue for Optimists with flatter water and good breezes and fantastic facilities for the class. There is also a coaching program during Winter with some boats preparing for the Pacific Otimist Championships at Lake Macquarie in October followed by the National Championships in Adelaide in January.