Spring Championships 16 - 17 March 2024
The IOCA Springs 24 are being held at Draycote Water Sailing Club on 16 - 17 March 2024.
Main Fleet Flights
Supplementary Sailing Instructions
Main Fleet, Regatta Racing Fleet & Coached Regatta Fleet
Event Schedule
Event schedule for Main Fleet, Racing Regatta Fleet and Coached Regatta Fleet
Major Event Instructions
The Major Event Instructions contain everything that you need to know about the Springs 24. The MEIs are essential reading for both parents and sailors before the event.
IOCA UK Selection Policy 2024
The Springs 24 is being used to select 2024 GBR/IOCA (UK) Teams. More information is available in The Selection Policy 2024
Irish Junior Factsheet
Information on the Irish Junior team 24
Three fleets for the Springs 24
For the Springs 24 there will be a Main Fleet, a Racing Regatta Fleet and a Coached Regatta Fleet (find more information on which fleet is right for you here. We are delighted that Steve Irish, one of the UK's most experienced Optimist Coaches, will be lead coach for the Coached Regatta Fleet this weekend.
Main Fleet - Flights
Main Fleet will be sailing in Flights. There will be four flights groups with 2 groups in ewach start. The Course and Flight Start Sequence are published in the MEIs. For more information on sailing in Flights have a look at Flights explained
GBR Sailors entry
GBR sailors must be current IOCA UK member for 2024. Join the class or renew membership before making an online entry.
International Sailors entry
International sailors must be a current member of their home nation national optimist class association. When entering please select 'International' entry.
Online Entry
Entry for the Springs 24 is online. Changes to sail numbers can be made on line after entry and no later than the end of Registration on Saturday 16 March 24.
The closing date for entries for the Springs 24 is Monday 11th March at 23.59hrs. Entries will not be accepted after this date.
Event Team
Volunteers are required for the Springs 24 Event Team there are roles ashore and on the water. If you are new to all this then rest assured that most roles need no prior experience and someone will make sure you know what you are doing! There's information on our webpage and a document which describes the volunteer roles in detail. If you have any questions or are unsure what's required please just email Filippo volunteers@optimist.org.uk
Dan Burns - IOCA UK Coach at the Springs 24
Message from Dan
For those of you that haven't met me, my name is Dan Burns. I am the Optimist Worlds team coach this year, and took the Euros last year. I am coaching IOCA training going forward, and will be at the Spring Champs as the IOCA coach for the fleet. This allows me to work towards bringing the level of the whole fleet up, and also offers some continuity for class training.
The way I will run this is similar to the Nationals in Largs a few years ago. I will take a short briefing each morning (see event schedule) where I will cover key points for the day and talk a bit about the forecast and what I would expect to see on the water. I will then be afloat all day and available for any sailors to talk to me between races.
Please ensure sailors read the document 'Working with a coach & event prep' which has been sent out. This gives a clear outline of how to be concise in feedback and get something out of a coach. There is also some useful event prep information in there which I personally think is essential for any regatta.
I will not have any lunch bags or spares on my rib so nobody will be with me for too long.
I will also not be giving out any 'answers'. No good coach should!
After racing I will run a debrief, timings will be communicated to competitors on the day. The plan is to also be in the boat park before and after sailing to answer any questions.
Looking forward to getting on the water!
Dan
Campervan Bookings
There are campervan pitches at DWSC. Bookings are made directly with DWSC
Safety Fleet
Sign up here to bring your own RIB to be included Safety Fleet for the Main and Racing Regatta Fleets.
Safety Fleet RIB Crew
Sign up here to be a Helm or Crew on a Safety Fleet RIB.
Equipment Declaration
An online Equipment Declaration must be completed by all sailors in Main Fleet. The Equipment Declaration must be completed by 9.30 am on Saturday 16 March 2024. Changes to the Equipment Declaration must be made by the same time.