Young sailors make most of conditions

Sun, wind and water was all in order for young sailors at last week's Hamilton Yacht Club Optisail 2013.

Conditions were excellent with testing breezes and week-long sunshine.

The four-day, live-in camp - an annual fixture on the city's sailing calendar - is staffed by Yachting New Zealand qualified coaches and instructors.

Aimed at improving sailing skills, from boat handling and tuning to racing tactics, the camp attracted participants from Hamilton, Clark's Beach (Auckland) and Gisborne.

Many of the sailors had graduated from a Learn-to-Sail course while others had sailed for several seasons but were keen to advance their skills.

The camp at the Hamilton Yacht Club, on Lake Rotoroa, was co-ordinated by Dave Smith.

Head coach Matt Hunter was assisted by coaches Jonathan McMullan, Haylee Hunter and Hannah Maxwell.

Guest coaches were Charlie Baillie-Strong, coach development officer, and Hamish Hey, NZCT regional support officer, both of Yachting New Zealand.