“Talking Sailing” From My Archives. First Optimist Nationals 1972

By Richard Crockett

Yesterday when sharing the first Dabchick Nationals report, I failed to mention that in those days the Dabchick was sailed two-up. It has not been established who sailed with the winner, Frank van Baarsel, although runner-up Dave Herridge had his brother John crewing for him. Thanks John Herridge for this info.

The very first Optimist Nationals were held over Easter at Midmar in 1972, with just 17 boats taking part.

The senior champion was Robert Walker of Henley Midmar Yacht Club, closely challenged by Udo Juressen, also of H.M.Y.C. in second place. The junior champion was Michael Coldbeck, with Giles Duncan in second place and David Walker third.

The full results are as follows:
1 Robert Walker
2 Udo Juressen
3 James Duncan
4 Andrew Walker
5 Butch Murray
6 Geoffrey Jackson
7 Christopher King
8 Paddy Clayton
9 Simon Bongers
10 Mike Clayton
11 Marian Shepperson
12 Libby Shepperson
13 Bruce Duncan

JUNIORS
1 Michael Coldbeck
2 Giles Duncan
3 David Walker
4 Mark Oatley

Today, besides the Optimist Class report in the Class News section of SA Yachting, there are reports from the following classes, included as a holiday bonus read today:
Sonnet; Sprog; Spearhead; Enterprise; Tempo; GP 14; Flying Dutchman; Fireball; 505 and Mirror classes.

There’s lots to read today.

READ IT ALL HERE:  1972 05 – SA Yachting – OCR