2022 IODA Optimist Africans Team Racing Championship
Congratulations to Argentina and Angola who won the team racing event and African Championship respectively. Conditions were perfect with the wind South South West around 8 knots. Sunny skies and turquoise blue water provided the backdrop for an exciting competition just outside Mykonos Harbour, Langebaan South Africa.
Following a hugely entertaining talk by charismatic chief umpire, Chris Atkins the night before, the competitors were amped to try out their team racing skills on the water.
Host nation South Africa fielded three teams, Tanzania two and Angola, Australia, Mozambique, Algeria, Argentina and Brazil one each.
Race management continued to be efficient under IODA PRO Elena Papazoglou and local RO Bruce Keytel. The first start got off promptly at 1100.
The many hails of protest kept the six umpires busy for three hours. Some poor sailors doing spin after spin.
Competition was fierce, with Angola finishing third overall and first African Nation. In an all South American final, Argentina beat Brazil 2-0 to win the competition. Celebrations on the water lasted almost an hour with many Argentinian flags flying, sailors swimming and lots of song and dance. It was a wonderful sight to behold.
Congratulations to all the competitors and especially to Argentina, Brazil and Angola for some excellent sailing!
Photos here . . .
