Over 490 Optimist sailors from around the world are competing at the British Optimist National Championships.  Featured on BBC News and radio Solent as Tuesday marked the 2 year date until the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games at the academy venue.

The appeal has seen the largest ever overseas contingent bringing a truly international feel to the event – with over 130 overseas competitors including 30 Americans, 40 Irish, 12 Spanish (very fast) Japan, Belgium, France, New Zealand, United Emirates, Germany, Holland, and of course 33 Welsh Sailors enjoying the tough competition!

Qualifying has been completed in 2 days of 12 knots Westerly conditions racing inside the Harbour.  Wednesday see’s Gold and Silver flights and some great racing from the Welsh has seen a good proportion of the few British to make Gold fleets coming from Wales.  In the hunt – Daniel Whitely and Mathew Whitfield are chasing the leading British for podium places.  A new day in Gold and silver fleets could bring new bag of results!

Follow the action and results live at http://www.kbsuk.com/Optimist/IOCAEvents/index.asp?EventID=26