Are those clouds on the horizon? Nope, it's a fleet of Optimists!
The forecast called for partly cloudy skies, but in our JSA forecast it called for Optis. The Douglaston Yacht Club located in Little Neck, NY, was flooded with Optimists sailors early on the morning of July 9th. The Area A Opti Regatta had a beautiful northerly breeze, perfect for the youngsters. Along with the Opti sailors were their token Opti parents, helping the young kids unload their boats. Opti sailors are by far the funniest to watch. Some finely tune and rig their vessels, while others shove off the dock still tying eight knots!
The racing began around 11:30, starting the red, blue, and white fleets separately. The 5-8 knot breeze started North and clocked left frequently throughout the day. The breeze held but with clear pressure differences throughout the race course. The RC ran port triangles with the start and finish on either side of the committee boat mid course. 
While getting out to the action, I had the pleasure of encountering some of Centerport Yacht Club's proud Opti parents. The moms and dads of CYC gladly watched their kids make their way around the buoys. Camera's flashing and smiles showing almost made me wish my parents were there! The friendly bunch encouraged their kids after each race, but of course being sailors themselves had a few pointers to give out. At times the cheers turned to uh-ohs, but the excitement of watching their kids overruled.
The CYC clan had a great start to the day, winning each bullet for all three fleets. I had the chance to speak with Peter Sterflinger, the hot handed red fleet sailor.
When asked about his first place performances so far all he could say was, "Better than Tuesday! I had a 6th then capsized in the second race."
With four years in Optis, his red streamer pre-qualifies him for JSA Champs. A man of few words, but when asked about what he carried in his life jacket pocket he replied, "Sail ties, a sharpie, boaters license, and advil for headaches/migraines." This guy means business!
After race two, I got the chance to speak with Jerry Callan, also a 13 year old Centerport sailor. Jerry's been in Optis for 6 years and knows the game pretty well. His experience at the regatta was full of great observations.
"It's a lot of fun sailing here, you can kinda see the skyline. My first race went not so well, second race I got in the rythm but then fell apart a boat length from the line. You have good races and bad races." Well said Jerry, well said.
The action never stopped all day running four great races. Great job all you Optis, keep doing what you do! Check out Results on the JSA website! Don't forget to check out photos from the regatta on the left-hand column.
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