Have you ever wondered what it was like to compete at the Volvo Gill Optimist Inland Championships? Gill Race Team member Jamie Cooke reports on his time at the event.

My time at the Optimist Inlands this year was great, there were lots of races and a nice breeze. I travelled up on the Friday night and stayed in a nice house only a few miles from the club. I was extremely happy to receive brand new kit from Gill. The new clothes, like the Thermoskin Suit and the Hydrophobe Top and Hydrophobe Trousers are extremely warm, high quality and versatile. Which allow me to be able to concentrate on the race, without worrying about whether I will be cold!

Saturday

We had a nice breeze of 12 to 16 kts, this resulted in three high intensity races. After three races I found myself at 13th overall, that was the result of a 6th, 4th and a discard. As the points were so close in the top flight of boats, there was still a lot to play for.

Sunday

Sunday brought slightly less wind and tricky conditions. I started off racing with an eighth, which I felt should of been higher due to a tactical mistake on the second beat. I was happy to win the 5th race as this turned out to be the last race of the regatta, moving me up to 6th overall. Despite tricky conditions the race officer tried to start a 6th race. After getting to 3rd in the race, it was abandoned. I thought that this was completely fair to stop the race as the wind had completely died and swung round 90 degrees to the left.

Gill were one of the main sponsors for the Inlands and they did a great job. I look forward to any more events I can do alongside Gill and I can’t thank them enough for the new kit they have given me, especially Ryan for making it possible.

My Dad took me to the event and provided me with support throughout. My Dad is one of the main reasons I am sailing today. He always takes time out of his own busy schedule to help those around him. Although I sometimes put him through a lot of stress; like picking up a black flag at the worst time possible, he’s always been there for me and supported me. Thank you Dad!