A lack of wind at the Volvo Musto Optimist Inland Championship last weekend (15-16 May) resulted in just one race being completed over the two-day championship, hosted by Grafham Water Sailing Club

The 280 Optimists completed the one race on Saturday 15 May 2004, results of which were enough to constitute a series.

The young sailors were split into two flights for racing. Flight one saw Tim Saxton, 13 from Grafham Water and Conner O’Brien, 13 Lough Derg YC, Ireland battle it out for first place, with Conner the eventual winner.

In flight two, Tim’s twin brother Ben Saxon just lost out to Francis Peters, 14 from Hayling Island. Francis, who will be representing Great Britain at the Optimist World Championship in August 2004, took home both the 1st British sailor and 1st Girl trophy, whilst Conner won the 1st Overseas helmsman prize. Ben and Tim Saxton tied for third position.

Francis Peters said: “I was really pleased to win the Volvo Musto Optimist Inland Championship as this is first time I have won a national championship. I am now looking forward to competing at the World Championships in Ecuador this summer.”

The Inland Championship marks the start of the Optimist national circuit. Events include the Volvo Musto Nationals and End of Season Championship both of which are mandatory events for those wishing to be selected for the 2005 National Optimist Squad.