Carter Optimists

Typhoon Sailboats are the proud importers of the recently titled World Championship Winning Carter Optimist. Typhoon Sailboats and Carter have approached HD Sails to provide them with a Championship winning sail.

Here at HD we are trying to think of easier ways for you to take purchase of your championship winning sail, together with Carter a hull, makes for a top quality package. Call Typhoon Sailboats for more information 01926 485017 or visit www.typhoonsailboats.com

typhoon poster 72res

 

 

 

 

 

 

Optimist News

The so-called Optimist Spring Championships were sailed at West Mersea in truly wintery weather: the air temperature was only just above freezing, with winds up to 20 kts on Sunday, enlivened by the odd sleet shower, conditions were truly testing. After the first day of sailing the sailors from the Optimist National and Zone squads (142 sailors) were split into Gold and Silver fleet. Jamie Harris, Rosie Williamson and Josh Haynes all sailed well and quailified for the gold fleet (72 sailors). At the end of the weekend Jamie and Rosie both had four top-10 placings out of their six races sailed, to finish in an excellent 6th and 13th place overall, Josh came 33rd.

In the Silver fleet Matthew Beck topped the leader board, congratulations to all sailors taking part in the tough conditions.

 

After the Spring Championships one of the next big events was at Braassemermeer  for the Magic Marine Easter Regatta.
GBR sent out 3 coaches and 31 selected sailors to the Netherlands for 2 days of training and 4 days racing over Easter. The Braassemermeer Magic Marine Easter Regatta has been running for 28 years, and is now an invitation-only event for teams from 12 countries, sailed on a large lake about 15 miles south of Amsterdam.
Good Friday was the first day of racing and 209 eager sailors were plagued with virtually no wind. This was followed by two days of varied racing in fairly light oscillating winds. After 6 races the fleet were split into Gold, Silver and Bronze groups for the final day’s racing. Jamie Harris, Josh Haynes and Rosie Williamson were 3 of the 17 British sailors to qualify for the Gold fleet.
Easter Monday brought the strongest wind of the event which, with clearing skies, meant a great day’s racing. Jamie Harris ended up 13th overall and third Brit. Joshua Haynes 20th overall and 4th Brit,  Rosie Williamson was 55th, 13th Brit and 1st British girl.
IOCA event page – blog reads from bottom to top
Many thanks to Charlotte Williamson for the report.

Optimist Winters

Congratulations to Rosie Williamson toping the Intermediate squad and finishing 15th at the Winter Championships.

The Winter Championships were held at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club, with just over 100 sailors.

Keep an eye out in 2013 for HD Sailors; Joshua Haynes, Rosie Williamson, Jamie Harris and Jamie Cook.

HD Sails Win Optimist Nationals

A huge congratulations to Martin Wrigley on winning the UK Optimist Nationals and also finishing 30th at the Optimist World Championships.

It has been 3 years since a British sailor has won using a British made sail and also 10 years since Andy Davis made Hannah Mills’ Optimist sail to Win the Uk Nationals.

HD Sailmakers Andy & Jim have been making Martins Sails since he first started his Optimist campaign, winning the Optimist nationals is a great achievement and Martin is following in the foot steps of some of our great Olympic sailors!
Over 500 British and International sailors took part in the event held by Pwllheli over the 13th-17th of August. Conditions were very varied, Martin showed excellent speed through out all conditions.HD Sails wish Martin the very best and we’re sure that he will go onto to achieve much more! 

For more information on our Optimist Sails please contact us at the loft on 0121 356 2175

 

 

 

 

HD Sails Going To Optimist Worlds

Congratulations to Martin Wrigley for making the Optimist Worlds Team.

WPNSA played host to the Optimist Selection Trials, one of the most important Optimist events of the year which was held over the bank holiday weekend.

The top 86 Optimist sailors in the country, completed a 15 race series over 4 days in Portland Harbour and in Weymouth Bay, for the honour of representing GBR in this year’s World and European’s and Development teams, the Flanders team and training in Greece. Only the top 5 GBR sailors are able to qualify to compete in the worlds, and 7 including the top 3 girls in the Europeans.

Martin finished 3rd overall and showed excellent pace in all conditions throughout the weekend, Martin will be flying out to the Dominican Republic in July.

Congratulations also go to Josh Haynes who finished 16th and made the development squad.

Optimist Worlds Team

HD Optimist Sailor Martin Wrigley

Martin why have you chosen HD Sails for your final years Optimist Campaign?

 

I have had my sails made by Andy Davis since 2006 when my grandad bought my first sail. After using it for a while my coach felt it was a bit too powerful and Andy suggested a flatter cut which I used at local regattas with great success. Over the last few years I have progressed through Zone squad, Intermediate Squad and National Squad with the sail recommended by Andy. Andy has been supportive throughout this period and he is a top level sailor himself. I know that my sail is made by someone as passionate about sailing as me. I have always been made very welcome at the loft and always had a personal message of support from the person who has made my sail when I have done well.

Martin Wrigley

 

Sailing Curriculum Vitae

Name: Martin Ian Charles Wrigley

Age: 15

Sailing Club: Cardiff Bay Yacht Club

Class: International Optimist

 

Results

2011

  • 4th Winter Championships
  • 1st Bowmoor Open
  • 9th Optimist Spring Championships

2010

  • 3rd Optimist Winter Championships
  • 3rd Optimist End of Seasons Championships
  • 17th Welsh Optimist championships
  • 17th GBR boat Optimist National Championships
  • 2nd Barnt Green Open
  • 16th Optimist Spring Championship
  • 11th Gold fleet Burghfield Open
  • 1st New Years Day LLSC pursuit race

2009

  • 8th Joint Squads National & National Intermediate WPNSA
  • 26th Optimist Winter Championships
  • 1st West Zone Championships
  • 1st Welsh Youth Regatta

 

Squads

Selected to represent RYA team GBR at the Trofeo Marcello Campobasso Naples 2012

Selected for RYA National Squad 2011 the top 24 nationally ranked sailors

Selected for RYA National Squad 2010 the top 30 nationally ranked sailors

Selected to represent RYA team GBR at the French Nationals at La Rochelle 2010

Selected for the RYA National Intermediate Squad 2009 for sailors nationally ranked 30 to 60

Selected for the RYA West Zone Squad 2008 top 12 sailors in the West of England

 

Sponsorship & Awards

Sponsored a Laser Vapor XD Optimist by Speedsails for the 2011 season

Awarded a bursary from Ready Steady Win 2011

Member of the IExcel a program designed to help young athletes still at school who are competing at national level

Halo Elite Member – Awarded to nationally competing atheletes which allows use of all gym and sports facilities in Herefordshire

Awarded Highly Commended Junior Male Sports Personality of the Year 2009

 

Additional information

I am fully supported by my family who help me participate in all National and International events that I am able to attend. I am supported fully by my school who have placed me on gifted and talented register for sport.

Here at HD Sails we wish Martin the best of look for the forth coming season!
Optimist Sail