In the boating world, optimists are dinky sailboats specifically designed for children, but this October, a group of fully grown adults will attempt to sail these diminutive vessels in a unique relay race that promises to provide plenty of amusement for onlookers.
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The Great Optimist Race is the charity centrepiece of the annual boatica exhibition, which is held in the picturesque setting of the V&A Waterfront from 27 to 29 October this year.
The race has become one of the highlights for regular visitors to boatica, as non-professional sailors from diverse backgrounds, including musicians, sports stars, celebrities and business professionals, grapple with the intricacies of wind direction, sails and rudders during a race across harbour waters. All the participants raise funds for the Little Optimist Trust and a cause of their choice.
Greg Bertish, a well-known big-wave surfer from South Africa, founded The Little Optimist Trust to encourage optimism and resilience in kids dealing with health challenges. It also conducts various charitable initiatives, including sailing experiences, educational programmes and adventure therapy activities, all designed to empower children to overcome adversity.
This year, the event takes on a slightly different format, with teams participating in relays rather than individual races.
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‘We wanted the race to be more inclusive. There’s been such a demand for people wanting to enter but we can only do so many boats in a race. A relay format will allow us to include more people, which is a win-win for everyone as we’ll be able to raise more money for charity while having fun,’ says Bertish.
There will be 20 teams racing, with four people on a team. These will include an all-woman team and a development team made up of sailing instructors who have been trained by The Little Optimist Trust. In addition to the race, The Little Optimist Trust will also host 50 children who will be shown the ropes on the boats and given a tour of the Cape Town Aquarium.
‘Supporting the Little Optimist Trust and the amazing work it does with kids on the water is an integral part of the boatica experience, and we can’t wait for boatica visitors to enjoy the spectacle of the Great Optimist Race while they’re enjoying everything else that the weekend has to offer,’ says Neil Piper of boatica organiser Messe Frankfurt.
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The Great Optimist Race is just one of the many attractions available to those with boatica tickets. Besides a wide range of exhibitors featuring the latest in boating technology and equipment, there is also an extensive on-water programme. This includes sailing lessons provided by SA Sailing and The Little Optimist Trust, dragon boat racing, e-foiling and a variety of family-friendly cruise options.
If you’d like to participate in the Great Optimist Race by forming a team for the race and raising money for charity, please contact [email protected] (boats are provided).
Tickets are available on Howler.
Also read:
The Little Optimist Trust raises a staggering R130K for charity
Picture: Supplied / John Hishin