BSC Welcomes 124 Optimists

Published 17:55 on 23 Jun 2025

Over the weekend of 14 and 15 June BSC welcomed 124 Optimist sailors and their families and friends for two days of closely fought racing in their Early Summer Championships. The fleet was split into three divisions with 77 boats in the main Racing Division, 33 in the Regatta Division, and 14 in the Coached Division.

On the water the Optimist Class provided their own race officer and support RIBs, which were ably supported by members of the BSC team led by Alec Mumford. Ashore our amazing galley volunteers led by Jane Somerville worked tirelessly to provide breakfast, lunch and snacks both days and a delicious supper on Saturday night, while the bar kept everyone well hydrated.

The atmosphere in and around the club was terrific and it was wonderful to welcome visitors from as far afield as Scotland, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Conditions were pretty lively at times and it was wonderful to watch such an enthusiastic and able group of young people taking it all in their stride.

The sun shone and there was a fantastic sailing breeze all weekend, and with seven races completed on the outer course, set out in the estuary off Second Beach, the main fleet victor's laurels went to Jonny Rogers from the Royal Lymington YC, with Sean Di Salle second and Charlie Holland from Hayling Island SC and the Royal Lymington third.

In the Regatta Division eight races were completed, racing on their own course at the entrance to the river, went to Finn Simmons of Lymington Town SC, with William Foster of Warsash SC second and Robbie Judson of Hayling Island SC third.

The Coached Division raced in the relative shelter of the Creek and after six races it was Tom Hadfield of Parkstone YC who claimed the top step of the podium, with Edie Charles from Papercourt SC second and Frances O'Neill from the Royal Southern YC third.

Click here for the event report and full results at Yachts & Yachting.

Last updated 18:00 on 23 June 2025