This week, Awakeri School student Corinne Woolsey competed in her first Optimist National Championships (sailing) at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in Auckland.

The conditions were very challenging as the North Island prepared for the approach of a big weather system but nearly 180 children from ages 9-15 entered the regatta across three fleets and completed nine races over three days.

Competing on behalf of Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club but a regular on the water at the Port Ōhope Yacht Club, 10-year-old Corinne was thrilled to be awarded the female “race winner” certificate for race five. She finished the regatta 27th out of 51 boats and was the first Bay of Plenty boat in the White (intermediate) fleet.

The open fleet included seven boats from the Bay of Plenty and representatives from Tahiti, New Caledonia and Australia.

The Championships title was won by Matteo Barker (son of ex-America's Cup skipper Dean Barker).

Olympic medallist and three-time winning helmsman of the America's Cup for Emirates Team New Zealand Peter Burling made an appearance to present certificates to winners at the final prize-giving.

The next event for Corinne will be the King's Birthday weekend regatta at Port Ōhope Yacht Club and she is already looking ahead to representing the district at AIMS games when she is eligible in 2026. Photos supplied