Summer dinghy racing at Old Dominion University

It seems so long ago now that we wrapped up in wetsuits and wandered out into the Elizabeth River for Sunday morning smackdowns. And I am happy to report that the fun at ODU is about to crank up again — this time courtesy of Mitch Brindley, Charles Higgins and the Old Dominion University sailing center. (So the scoring should be much fairer to everyone whose son is not also the race committee.)

This will be a pretty exciting opportunity for all. You can rent a boat (FJ or Laser) for cheap and come out on Thursday evenins and race beginning July 7 and running through Sept. 1. Plus, the series features a post-race de-brief with the experts, so here is a chance to improve your skills with some of the best coaches anywhere. (no exaggeration)

I have copied the information about the series below. Check out all the details and get information about ODU’s summer sailing camps (for the kids and for the adults) at this link: http://www.odusports.com/camps/oldd-camps.html.

I know I am penciling in vacation days for Thursday nights and I hope to see you there, too.

Summer Recreation and Racing Series | July 7th – September 1st, 2011

Weekly open recreational sailing and an informal summer racing series hosted by Old Dominion University in Laser (standard or radial) and FJ. Individuals may bring their own boats and race for $5.00 per day. Daily racing debriefs will be provided by the staff.

Time  6 – 8 pm
Fee $80.00 entry and boat (FJ or Laser) for the series; $12.00 entry and boat per day

Whether you are an adult dreaming of retiring to the islands and seeking adventure on the high seas, or a kid looking for some independence, Sailing Lessons at Old Dominion University Sailing School are just right for you. What are you waiting for? Learn to sail now! The adult learn-to-sail course is designed to fit into even the busiest of summer schedules. We are offering a variety of sessions to choose from, including weekdays after work and on weekends. During the adult sessions, sailing skills are presented in a relaxed and informal atmosphere with an emphasis on active participation and fun on board our collegiate racing dinghies. This adult class is ideal for anyone 17 years or older.

Our co-ed youth lessons put kids, ages 10-16, on the water in a fun, active, and recreational atmosphere. Learning boating safety, basic, intermediate, and advanced sailing skills. These young sailors will have an outstanding summer as they master a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime. This is a great place to get your child comfortable around water and build their confidence. Learning how to sail in a controlled environment is an experience your child won’t soon forget.

I hope to see you on the water!

Mitch Brindley
Head Sailing Coach

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Location: All Sailing Classes / Lessons are held at the ODU Sailing Center on the Old Dominion University Campus in Norfolk, VA; For a map click here.

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p.s. for those who enjoyed sailing with the college team this winter, here is the wrap up that was posted on the Old Dominion University web page on their showing at the coed nationals. Lets give the team a round of appreciation.

June 1, 2011

 

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. – The Old Dominion coed sailing team wrapped up its season Wednesday with a 15th-place finish at the Gill/ICSA Dinghy National Championships. A total of 14 races were completed in both divisions during the three-day event, including four races in A-division and six races in B-division today.

The winds on the Gorge cooperated Wednesday and the competitors were able to get in a good day of racing. The westerly winds stayed steady around 10-12 knots, gusting higher later in the day. In the end it was Boston College who commanded the lead and won the Henry A. Morse Memorial Trophy.

The Monarchs posted two Top 10 results in A-Division racing Wednesday as Stephanie Roble andMiles Martschink posted a ninth-place finish in race 12A and a seventh-place showing in race 13A.

Roble and Martschink, along with Emily Reich and Brady Stagg combined for a 13th-place finish in the A-Division. Dillon Paiva, Gavin Rudolph, Julia Wiesner and Stagg all saw action in the B-Division racing, where ODU finished 16th overall.