2024 Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship HONG KONG

Each fleet completed one qualifying race in variable conditions. By the time of the first warning signal, the wind had dropped to 7-8 knots, with consistent gradual oscillations across true north. Yellow fleet started first and under the shadow of a black flag, after an initial general recall.  Margaux Nguyen-Minh (HKG) led the fleet until the final upwind, after which lighter, more challenging conditions prevailed. A reshuffle of the top 20 was then seen on the final beat, with sailors who picked the favoured shifts and gusts gaining. Sean Kum (SGP) crossed the finish line comfortably in 1st, followed by Masaya Shiraishi (JPN) in 2nd and Joaquin Balbuena (ARG) in 3rd. Japan and Argentina rounded out the Top 5, with JPN’s Kotaro Matsunaga in 4th and ARG’s Judesson St Cyr Ramos in 5th.

Blue fleet started 10 minutes after yellow in a reduced 6 knots of breeze. Positions of the fleet were variable until the second half of the first beat, where Hasan Al Wahaibi (OMA) pulled ahead after making gains on the left side of the course. Al Wahaibi led around all marks, finishing with a comfortable 2-minute lead. Blue fleet finished under a shortened course at the gate, following a wise decision from the Race Committee to mitigate the softening breeze. Cheuk Hymn Decimus Chan (HKG) crossed the line in 2nd, followed by Sophie Shao (HKG) in 3rd. Hong Kong, China and Oman dominated the top 5 of blue fleet overall, with Alix Nguyen-Minh (HKG) finishing in 4th and Khamis Al Mashaikhi (OMA) in 5th.

Racing was then postponed whilst the Race Committee monitored conditions. The decision to return ashore for the day was made as the wind became un-raceable. Tomorrow’s conditions look favourable, with a Northeasterly between 10-12 knots forecast. All is still to play for, so see you in the New Year and good luck all!

Follow the event on the official event microsite here:  https://2024asianoceanians.optiworld.org/en/default/races/race