While 19-year-old Hamilton Slater was the first sailor to complete the course, The Little Optimist Trust and the many charities supported by the Trust were the real winners as the event raised a staggering R130,000 for children in need.
This year’s Great Optimist Race in conjunction with Boatica was a showdown of epic proportions as the wind dropped midway into the race and skippers resorted to paddles, their hands and dirty tactics with water weapons to get their boats across the finish line.
Also read: Courageous Cape Town trio prepare to set sail for charity
Race winner Hamilton Slater says, “Fresh out of school last year I went straight into working at Ullman Sails. I’m having a ball working and learning within the sailing industry. I’d like to thank the Little Optimist Team for an outstanding event. And I’d also like to thank all the inspiring sailors that I met on Saturday. I can wait to see them all again next year!”
Caleb Swanepoel, South Africa’s adaptive surfing champion who lost his right leg seven years ago in a shark attack won the inaugural race in 2018 and again in 2019. But this year he had to settle for third place, behind veteran sailor Nico Van Wieringen.
The day wasn’t without drama as accomplished waterman Sibu Sizatu almost capsized his optimist dinghy. Sizatu says, “I tried to do a row tacking forgetting I was too big for the boat to manoeuvre quickly so got stuck on the leeward side, and my life jacket hooked on the boom”.
Sizatu who will be sailing in the Cape-To-Rio in a few months wasn’t prepared for the mischief that played out on the water:
He said, “The biggest lesson I learned from the race is always expected the unexpected. When I agreed to sail I had no clue there would be paddling, and almost called for a protest when I saw two boats paddling. But when I looked back, the whole lot was paddling! I loved the atmosphere and the synergy though.”
For organiser and founder of the Great Optimist Race Greg Bertish, the event was always about the children he aims to help.
He said, “The Great Optimist Race 2022 was an absolute blast. It was fast and it was furious, and the racing was hard and it was fun, and it was wet for some.”
He continued, “We raised lots and lots of money for our different charities. We had 50 at-risk youth come and experience the Waterfront, and the Two Oceans Aquarium, learning to sail and having the most inspirational day. What an absolute jol”.
The Litle Optimist Sailing Academy and Trust teach sailing skills to disadvantaged, sick and marginalised children, giving them much-needed confidence and joy.
Children from Law Hill Academy, the Oasis soccer team, the 9 Miles Project and Heideveld Ministry were among those that benefitted from the sailing academy’s weekend event.
Details about the Little Optimist Sailing Academy:
- Location: Shop 8, Battery Park, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
- More information: Visit here
Also read:
Jeremy Mansfield: Veteran radio and television personality dies
Picture: Supplied / Photographs courtesy of Rob Whitehead