Junior sailors head to US Virgin Islands

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Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) junior sailors will be looking to make a good impression at the Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta that gets underway today in the US Virgin Islands.

Representing the RHADC are current national champion Rory Caslin, Joe Arrowsmith, Peter Dill, Sammy Dill, Izzy Dutranoit, Charis Todd, Ceci and Mikey Wollman.

Accompanying the team to the Caribbean is high performance dinghy coach Nico Stefani and team leaders Steve Arrowsmith and Calista Todd.

This year marks the first time in several years that the RHADC has been represented at this regatta that commences today with team racing. Fleet racing begins tomorrow and concludes on Sunday.

The regatta is being hosted by the Virgin Island Sailing Association and held at the St Thomas Yacht Club and will showcase the budding talents of youth sailors aged 8-15 heralding from many countries.

To help defray costs to compete at the Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta RHADC team members staged a series of car washes.

Part proceeds from the fundraiser also went towards defraying medical costs for club coach Stevie Dickinson. The veteran sailor was diagnosed with cancer last year and has undergone treatment since.

Over the years Dickinson, who finished third in this week’s Long Distance Comet Race, has provided part-time coaching at the RHADC and is regarded as an integral part of the club’s junior sailing program.

“Junior sailing is a vital part of the RHADC,” said RHADC Rear Commodore Neil Redburn. “We are excited to see so many sailors participating at the Scotiabank Regatta and the Team helping Stevie, one of Bermuda’s top sailors.

“RHADC provides a fun sailing environment and the ability to represent Bermuda and the club at International events. RHADC plans on sending teams to this year’s Orange Bowl Regatta, which is normally well represented by Bermuda sailors.”

*Challenger II dominated fitted dinghy racing at Mangrove Bay on Monday.

The Sandys Boat Club dinghy won two of the day’s three races sailed in 10-15 knot breezes to walk away with the Gilbert Bowl and Sandys Boat Club Shield.

Challenger II also finished third in the race for the Cambridge Cup which was won by Victory IV.

The regatta was hosted by Sandys Boat Club.

Match racing that was scheduled to be held on Sunday was cancelled due to high winds.

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