IODAI Statement on Moving from Regatta Fleet to Main Fleet
The question of when to move sailors from regatta fleet to main fleet has often been discussed. IODAI firmly believe that this decision is one for the parents and sailors to make based on advice from various sources and without any criteria laid down by IODAI.
However, with the new Junior fleet, regatta fleet parents and sailors may tend to move more rapidly to the Junior Fleet. While such a move is to be encouraged, some may make it too quickly and then, during a windy regatta, may consider the weather too much for their sailor. In these situations and for safety reasons main fleet sailors may temporarily move back to the regatta fleet BUT in such circumstances they will NOT be allowed to win regatta fleet prizes.
Race Officers decisions to run races should not be compromised by too many sailors not being capable of handling the prevailing conditions.
It should be pointed out to parents that this principle is not designed to allow switching between main fleet and regatta dependent on weather. Regatta fleet to Main fleet moves should be considered a permanent move and this policy is only intended for exceptional circumstances.
In the event of Regatta Fleet sailing in, say, an inner harbour, while the Main Fleet are not put to sea, Main Fleet sailors may not downgrade to Regatta to simply get sailing.
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In making the decision to move from Regatta Fleet to Main Fleet, Parents may like to consider the following:
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Advice from those more experienced on the Optimist circuit either at their own clubs or during regional events. Speak with the Regatta Fleet coach during the event
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Remember that it is a jump up in terms of the duration of the races and the day overall – stamina. Sailors could be on the water for 6-7 hours.
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Sailors should be capable of such a move up in a moderate breeze not just in light airs
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It can be very demoralizing for a sailor to constantly capsize or sail detached from the back of the fleet on their own.
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They should have been featuring towards the top of the Regatta fleet over at least 2 events as an indication of their readiness
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Consider the above policy statement from IODAI:
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