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Photos supplied by Richard McLachlan. 


Raphael McLachlan reports, "As a Youth Member of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron this year I have been lucky enough to qualify for and compete in the 2023 Optimist Asian and Oceanian Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I put in months of preparation for the event as soon as I heard the news of my qualification after Nationals, training in light to medium, wavy breeze in Sydney Harbour and competing in as many events as I could in both NSW and Victoria.



Soon enough, my brother, Xavier McLachlan, and I were on a plane to Abu Dhabi. As we stepped off the plane, the intense heat hit us, 30 degrees at 5 am in the morning. We checked into the event hotel; the Corniche Hotel, and explored trying to stay awake and reduce jet lag. Abu Dhabi was a bustling city with lots to do and see, lots of big tall buildings just off the ocean, with many beaches and parks.



Once we had explored the city for a few days we set into pre-regatta training with the Australian team, picking up charter boats first and checking them out to ensure no damage. Training with the Australian team with great coaches Grant Alderson (WA)and Jack Lewis (VIC) was an exciting experience, and even better, we joined in with other countries such as the UK, USA, NZL and Argentina in racing. It was eye-opening to see how competitive the other countries were, with lots of aggressive starts making it hard to get off the line in clean air. One mistake and another sailor would sneak in below you, cutting off your acceleration room.





After a couple of days of pre-regatta training, opening day was ahead of us. All the countries had their team gear and flags ready to represent and compete with each other on the waters of Abu Dhabi. Once we all were called to put our flags on the stage, the IODA (Opti Association) Vice Principal and Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan gave speeches and welcomed the 157 sailors from 27 different countries competing in the event.



The following days, intense qualifying racing followed; 3 races each day going for 1 hour each. The fleet of 157 were divided into 3 flights: red, yellow and blue. For the first two days, I was grouped in red and then I was grouped in blue. Each day had late starts as there was not enough wind since the persisting northerly wind had not set in. This meant we would stay out until the races were completed staying out until sunset, making for some great racing and amazing photos.



Then Finals and Teams Racing followed with Australia winning the Oceanians title for teams racing tied with NZL. For the Finals, there were three fleets, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Overall, it was the best experience in sailing I have ever had, I learned a lot in relation to racing, rigging, technique and so much more.

I am grateful to the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and members for their ongoing support in my sailing, since my beginnings where I learned the Opti in Tackers and Greenfleet at RSYS, to my first overseas regatta. I look forward to continuing to represent RSYS in my dinghy and keelboat sailing, and growing my sailing skill and knowledge. Thank you." 



We wish Raphael the best of luck on his ongoing sailing journey.