I’d like to start by thanking you for the financial support to attend the 2025 US Optimist Team Trials regatta in Norfolk, VA. Competing against 250 of the best US Opti sailors was the most significant competitive sailing experience I’ve ever had. This opportunity has not only honed my skills but also fueled my passion for sailing.
To recap the week, I arrived on Tuesday morning fresh off a red-eye flight. We went directly to the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club (NYCC) to pick up my charter boat and get rigged for a day of practice. Since I was the only member of TEAM BYC who qualified for Team Trials, I joined up with Coach Thomas and the California Yacht Club (CYC) Team. I know the sailors from CYC pretty well from sailing in our local regattas. The next day, we had another day of practice. Because of necessary USODA measurements of the boat and gear, training was shorter. I had to take the sail off the spars, take everything but the airbags out of the boat, and dry it well. That night, one of my friends from CYC who is a successful Opti sailor, gave me pointers about the conditions and what to expect.
The following is a recap of each day of racing:
Thursday: The first day of racing had me feeling a bit tense. We arrived at NYCC after breakfast and rigged. The wind was strong (15+ knots at 8 AM), so I had to be prepared for the gusts and puffs. We completed three races between 10 AM and 3 PM. After a long day on the water, we came back in, had a small meal provided by the yacht club, and debriefed. That night, we had a team dinner at one of the CYC sailor’s AirBNB. Lights out at 9:30 PM.
Friday: We arrived at 7:30 AM and prepared for day two of racing. It was lighter that day, and I had my best finish of the weekend (30th). The air was filled with pollen, which affected my allergies. The boat and cars were all covered in pollen. I went back to our hotel, rested, and had dinner in. That night, the fleet was sorted between Gold and Silver. Given my results, I was placed in the Silver A fleet. The Gold Fleet is where the National Team would be determined.
Saturday: Day three of racing had the lightest winds (~10 to 12 knots), making it easier for me since I normally train in these conditions at BYC. I had a good day on the water, but I could feel the fatigue from battling the heavier winds on the prior days.
Sunday: We faced the heaviest winds on the last day of racing, and I was very overpowered. They measured gusts of 40+ knots, which exceeded the class rules for starting races, so we had to wait on the race course for the wind to cooperate. It was very difficult, especially on the downwinds because you can’t see the puffs coming, so you must be prepared. Many sailors dropped from the races due to capsizes or swamps. The Silver Fleet only completed two races. While I finished both, I had a DNF due to time because I capsized and swamped. This was the most challenging day of the regatta, but I am most proud of it as I persevered through some of the most difficult sailing conditions I have ever faced and did not give up.
Overall, this regatta was a super fun and great sailing experience. I improved my skills in starting in bigger fleets, adjusting during shifts, fighting against the current, and racing in diverse conditions. Thank you all so much for helping fund my regatta, a trip I will never forget.
Lots of gratitude,
Zac Whitton