Parkinson thrilled to end with place on the podium

By Aaron Scoones

Zoe Parkinson competes in a race at Grafham Water Sailing Club, where she finished third overall. (0583198)

A 14-YEAR-OLD local sailor has finished an impressive third at the Volvo Musto Optimist Inland Championship. Zoe Parkinson was one of 325 competing at Grafham Water Sailing Club, Cambridgeshire, at the weekend.

‘It’s been a fantastic weekend and great to finish on the podium,’ said the Guernsey Yacht Club member. ‘The Optimist has been a fantastic starter boat in which to learn how to sail and fills you full of confidence. I would like to thank Grafham Water Sailing Club for the brilliant facilities and also all the IOCA (UK) event organisers. Without their help fun weekends like this wouldn’t be possible.’

The first day of racing saw grey skies with variable winds and big shifts as showers passed through, all of which played a significant part in race positions with the experienced sailors in the main fleet coming to the fore.

Parkinson made a brilliant start, winning one of the three races during the day and she came fourth in both the others.

That gave her the overnight lead.

The weather changed for the second day, with bright sunshine and gusts increasing to 18 knots.

The Sarnian struggled in the first race of the day, finishing well down the fleet.

However, she then finished 16th in the next before taking centre stage to win the final race of the event.

That secured her third place overall and she was top girl in the championship.

David Grant of the Restronguet Sailing Club was the eventual winner, beating Parkinson by 11 points.

Article posted on 23rd May, 2008 - 2.29pm

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