A record number of Welsh Optimist sailors battled out for Great Britain World, European & French National team places which concluded this weekend at the 2012 Olympic sailing venue in Weymouth.  The 6 day event began on the sunny waters of Pwllheli Bay last weekend and invites only the top 90 junior sailors in Britain sailing the Optimist class; the biggest worldwide junior class and helped develop the skills of many of today’s Olympic sailors.

Port Dinorwic sailor Toby Morsley led the waves for the Welsh, sailing himself into the GBR Europeans team finishing 8th.  Further Welsh Success followed with Mathew Whitfield (Penarth) David Pain, Will Creaven, and Josh Burgess (all Cardiff Bay) missing on the Europeans but making up half the Great Britain French Team!

Toby on behalf of the Welsh Sailors offered his thanks to the Sports Council for Wales and Asda Sports Aid for their equipment and travel support throughout the year, and said, “It’s been a tough 6 days, I knew I had to remain consistent and sail well and I would make the team, I’m really pleased I’ve done it.”  Toby now looks forward to representing Great Britain in Slovenia this summer.

Iwan Basten (HPM Wales) added, “This event marks the pinnacle for Optimist sailors, congratulations to Toby and the French team who’s hard work this winter has paid off.  Next its international sailing for Great Britain and for many progressing onward into the bigger youth classes.”

For full results go to:
http://www.optimistsailing.org.uk/new/home.htm

image credit: Alan Williams