Friday, November 21, 2008
The Canadian Yachting Association is pleased to announce that it will recognize 10 of Canada’s top Optimist Dinghy Sailors as they are named to the CYA National Optimist Dinghy Team.
This initiative is in keeping with competitive stream development in the Long Term Sailor Development Framework. The Optimist Dinghy is acclaimed as the primary class to start a sailor on the road to high performance racing.
Jim Beatty, Canadian Optimist Dinghy Association President expressed gratitude to the CYA’s Sailor Development Leaders for the positive move. “We are delighted to participate in this inaugural Opti Team announcement. At CODA we have often stated ‘We are the beginning’. Today’s recognition of a National Optimist Dinghy Team will provide a great incentive for those selected to continue their sailing campaigns as they develop toward Canada’s next generation of Olympic sailors.”
Selection of the Team is to be based on performance at the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Championships. Top 5 eligible Canadian female finishers and top 5 eligible Canadian male finishers at the event will be invited to the Team application process. A 2009 team will be named based on performances at the 2008 Opti Canadians. Athlete eligibility factors include those of membership with a CYA member club or organization.
Stay tuned to http://www.sailing.ca for announcement of CYA’s National Youth Teams!
