Optimists make Bermuda proud

The Bermuda Optimist World Championship Team had their best ever showing at the Optimist World Championship last week.

Team member Jason Saints said: “We’re extremely proud of our performance. It can be difficult to remain optimistic for a sustained period at this level of competition, given some of the subjects that get thrown at you. Everyone on the team demonstrated an unfailing cheerfulness that served us well.”_i

“The team finished 13th out of 47 countries, ahead of both the US and the UK, thanks primarily to our performance on the subject of Iraq. We pointed out that the invasion removed a genocidal dictator, prompted Libya to renounce its nuclear weapon programme and acted as a magnet for al-Qaeda, enabling American troops to engage them at a safe distance from the homeland. We’d have placed higher were it not for an uncharacteristic slip by Sean [Bouchard] who accidentally mentioned the absence of weapons of mass destruction.”

Nevertheless, Mr. Bouchard placed 10th in the individual events as a result of an outstanding display in the nuclear holocaust category, where he managed to remain upbeat for thirty-six seconds. “I told them that a global nuclear holocaust wouldn’t be all bad as there's a good chance it would kill people like the BTK killer and might also lead to the eradication of diseases such as malaria,” he said. “The judges were very impressed by my positive thinking.”

Another member of the team, Elijah Simmons, credited his parents for his performance. “I’ve been an optimist for as long as I can remember,” he said. “It’s just something that my mom and dad drummed into me: always look on the bright side, never let things get you down. Every cloud has a silver lining, you just have to look for it.”

Comments

[ace on 05.09.05 at 00:33]

lol Phil.

It took me a while to realise what on earth you were on about for a minute (it IS late) but after a re-read...quite clever.

;)

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 05.09.05 at 08:49]

I would be more Optimistic if sailing in Bermuda was more integrated.Sailing in Bermuda is the last refuge to just about a Whites only experience.I would like to see the sailing clubs have more school programs and for their summer sailing programs to be much more integrated. Most sailing Clubs like the RBYC and the HADC are still too white...it is indeed an Irony as in the days of sailing ships Bermuda's best sailors were black.

[Raptor on 05.09.05 at 20:52]

You ARE very funny, Phil!

[sandgrownan on 06.09.05 at 08:49]

Big Bad Wolf - for the record what you want already exists. The White's Island, RHADC and RBYC programs for youth sailing are integrated and open to all -no need to be a member of any club. There is a schools program too.

We don't sail yachts, we race sailboats.

[Curried Goat on 06.09.05 at 09:07]

sandgrownan is right. I did the Whites Island course when I was 12. It was great fun and racially integrated even back then in 1973.

[VB on 06.09.05 at 09:13]

BBW, why does EVERYTHING have to be turned into a race issue on this itty bitty mid Atlantic rock outcrop? Sailing for all has been open at the RBYC & RHADC for years. Membership is NOT required & being white is certainly NOT required. One of Bermuda's top Optimist sailors is a long way from being considered white. He is an excellent sailor. He got that way from years of dedication & practice. It also takes parental support. Take a look on the harbour any January to March weekend in the worst of weather & you will see the Optis out there racing & practicing.

They go away & take part in very competitive international regattas & come back with results, not excuses as is far too common with the so-called national sports.

I am not a sailor, nor do I have a child imvolved with the sport. I do have eyes which see a bunch of devoted people who do not run around begging for money or looking to be 'recognized' at some ego fluffing banquet.

Bermuda's sailing heritage is in good hands with these kids.

[Triforce on 06.09.05 at 10:54]

I've seen many of those kids from Barr's Park, and while it's not a true representation of the population, it's not too bad. There's a fair number of black kids and more importantly they're all sailing together and I sincerely doubt that they're concerned about how many black or white kids they're sailing with.

Bermuda would do well to promote this sport, after all it's one of the few in which we are on equal footing with the big boys in terms of location.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 11:06]

Until you have better mix of sailors it is not going to be a sport reflective of Bermuda the same goes for football and cricket too!!!! I'm sick of all this class and elitism in Bermuda Sports.The major sailing clubs are not interested in expanding the base of sailing ...otherwise they would be more pro active. They could even host an interschool sailing competition if they had any imagination during Summer term....But like I say they seem to like sailing to be White as their sails with no sailing places at their schools for kids that are disadvantaged.

[Curried Goat on 06.09.05 at 11:22]

Big Bad Wolf you are wrong.

The sailing places are there but they are limited and they cost money. This is not an advantaged / Disadvantaged situation either, it is a motivation of lack of motivation issue.

Next you will be saying that Whites island should be renamed because it is racist. We can call it integrated Island.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 11:28]

Curried goat you should be ashamed what you are doing to goats! Stop being one...Bermuda's wealthiest clubs could create some sailing slots at their schools for disadvantaged kids period.Institutionalized Racism is holding Bermudian Sports back and that is particuliarly the case with sailing! Starboard!

[sandgrownan on 06.09.05 at 12:22]

BBW - you are not only wrong, but misinformed and ignorant. Sailing at the youth level is the most successful sport in Bermuda. It's multi-racial and open to everyone. It does cost money, but there are also government programs, and the BSA runs schools at White's Island all summer. There is an in-school program too, that is open to everyone. All the sailing clubs and the BSA have active fund raising programs to continue youth development. Have you ever put your hand in your pocket to help?

The only people who lack imagination are those such as yourself who see sailing as a white only pastime. My friend, you are an idiot.

[Curried Goat on 06.09.05 at 12:30]

Wolfie, where are these disadvantaged kids? Do you mean the kids hanging around the streets with nothing to do? You know the disadvantaged kids with the latest cell phone and $200 running shoes?

Bermuda does not have disadvantaged kids, but it does have a lot of lazy kids who lack self motivation.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 12:32]

Oh yes let the Black Government school kids sail at Whites Island where they will be out of the way!!! Sailing like football and cricket are dominated by one racial group...This is bad in a country of 60percent black 40 percent white...Until all sports are close to that mix They are failing the generational talent of this island..The main two sailing clubs need to be more Liberal and open in encouraging Bermudians to sail....a good move would be to open up their programs to young sailors that do not have the funding...Your little idea of Apartied sailing with all others without money going to Whites Island Government program WILL NOT WORK IN THE LONG RUN!!!

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 12:39]

Ba Ba Your probably right some kids even if they are given the chance won't sail....That is not to say that some kids that would love to sail wont have that chance or to have the teaching advantage of overseas sailing instructors.The Sports meeting on Front street this weekend is a Great start to promoting all sports to all local residents...Much more can be done in sailing!! The Clubs need to set a national agenda and be in the schools during the summer term with inter school sailing match racing...ect.

[Curried Goat on 06.09.05 at 12:53]

Puppy dog, it is more like burrrr not ba ba, that would be my cousin Mint Jelly.

The sailing clubs can "bleat" until they are blue in the face, and they may get a response but if the kids cannot get themselves motivated, it will do no good. That is the problem.

[sandgrownan on 06.09.05 at 12:58]

BBW - there is a national agenda set by the BSA. It's run at the clubs, by the BSA and in the schools.

BBW - you are the root cause of the problem, not the clubs.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 13:05]

Sorry Its the Clubs stupid and especially the ones that start with Royal!!! The Bermuda Sloop foundation is doing more for the improvement of sailing in Bermuda than all other sailing clubs combined!!! Get Pro Active and stop worrying that your kid is going to learn how to swear from a kid off Parson's Road.

[SANDGROWNAN on 06.09.05 at 13:08]

BBW -the sloop foundation is adding to the overall wealth. But it's a different animal - it's sail training where a whole plethora of skills will be learned.

It should not be confused with the sport of racing sailboats.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 13:17]

Heah its a boat and its sailing...infact they will be learning how to blue water sail like my ancestors...Far as racing around the buoys in our harbours and bays I would like to see the full rainbow in those sailing boats and more inter school sailing private and public...ect ect

[Paul Doughty on 06.09.05 at 14:45]

I`m the development sailing coach at the RBYC.
We have been working with government & RHADC to implement a program called WaterWise into all middle at M1 lev el by the end of this school year,. The clubs have also taken on the smaller clubs to allow their salors to use our coaches and our facilities. This summer more than 600 kids were involved in sailing and by this time next year 400+ M1s will have gained the experience.
The BSA and everyone else involved know that it will have a major impact on the sport of sailing. Please go to the BODA website to learn about theit bursary programme.
Much of the negative chatter on this website concerning this topic is largely re-dundent and un-informed. Both Royal clubs promote to all and have active open yr round and summer programmes.
Paul

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 14:54]

Yeah Paul with a Big fat fee on it! Maybe you are doing your bit but until I see a greater cross section of Bermudians sailing out of the The Royal Hamilton and Bermuda Yachht Club...I will not be impressed.Intergration happened forty years ago...Its nice that sailing started to catch up in someways last year. Sailing is elite at the Two Royal Bermuda Yacht clubs....they need to expand the summer programs to be more inclusive by sponsoring young disadvantaged sailors that cannot pay the summer sailing instruction fees.

[Paul Doughty on 06.09.05 at 15:53]

You are still missing the wind shift wolffey. Its cheaper to go to RBYC than to the NSP in summer, and there are scholarships.
Kids who sail year round are supported in various ways, no one is turned away on the basis of money.17 Kids from the first Waterwise prog. went sailing this summer 4 are now becoming competitive sailors. Waterwise was designed to prepare alll middle school kids for the sloop project.
We will overtake other sports in BER within 2 trs becayse of our outreach prog.
Paul

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 16:13]

No I'm tacking through HEAVY AIR....Great about the changes especially the ones your a part of....I want to see the Royal Clubs have a better cross section of Bermuda in their Summer sailing programs----And Summer Term Match racing between all Bermudian Schools...Now GET OUT THERE AND SLAY SOME MORE DRAGONS!!! And Let ^..^ enjoy my sailing without just seeing White every where Ha!!

[VB on 06.09.05 at 22:11]

Paul et al, stop wasting you precious time trying to convince BBW. It never pays to have stupid arguments with idiots. They have had much more experience at it than you & will quickly drag you down to their level.

Keep up the good work. Maybe BBW would have you conscript kids with cell phones & 10# of bling around their necks right off the streets.

Wouldn't that enhance the level of sailing in Bermuda? You would become a baby sitting service for our future professional wall sitters.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 22:20]

VB your white and an elitist...Its you that needs a close examination concerning stupidity. Just because you do not want to sail with working class people or help give them a chance thats your problem and YES I mean in your club with your children. Paul being a more open minded Bermudian understands my points and they are all valid ...so go hide in your dark little sail locker Bermuda is changing for the Better and that includes sailing.

[PM on 06.09.05 at 22:23]

Big Bad Wolf,
Did you have a look at the RBYC program this summer?.. Compared to last year the number of black kids had tripled by this summer. As far as anybody with a proper view can see the RBYC has done a lot to help with the situation. Kids are sponsored to get them to sail all year round. Rajae Woods went to the worlds three years ago with a sponsorship from BTC I beleive....

[SmokingGun on 06.09.05 at 22:33]

Funniest thing is the only thing I seem to remember about White's island sailing was having a bunch of us shoved up under the cramped fore-cabin by the older kids and made to stay there. It was my first real experience having to deal with bullying. And it didn't matter what colour you were, we all got the same treatment. Man I wish I remembered who those jerks were.

Had a fun time all the same and did get to meet other Bermudian kids that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. Nothing like getting people working together like dealing with the shear panic of having a ferry coming down on you.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 06.09.05 at 22:42]

Nope not enough yet,,,,early times yet for such measurements!!!

[Somers on 07.09.05 at 08:52]

BBW - don't be a hater just because sailing is more of a national sport than football & cricket... ;)

Honestly I think you should have become more informed through other sources before you started barked up this sailing tree.

Your ignorant comments only work against the big strides all the clubs and coaches have been working on for years.

Next time chart your course before raising your sails mate. And don't forget to file a float plan!

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 07.09.05 at 10:16]

Somers football and cricket are far bigger sports than sailing in Bermuda. I can tell by your remarks you didn't get my remarks that I would also like to see those sports also more representative of Bermuda's racial mix....Infact across all Bermuda Sports. Sailing has been a little safe harbour for White elitism and you are obviously one of its elite members..Strides in sailing are very recent and not across the board...Try to get out of the RBYC bar and hanging around all your little narrow minded friends.You run with just about a lily white group of friends and can't be objective of a more integrated sporting community..sailing is starting to make the moves in the right direction but it has a long way to go until it is more integrated. Heah there is a real cross section of bermuda at Bermuda fitted dinghy racing...Yeah right...Its you that is stupid about race matters not me....so go pump the water out of your boat of ignorance!

[Somers on 07.09.05 at 10:40]

You missed my point.

Don't knock what is already being attempted. Over & Out.

[Bill Cook on 07.09.05 at 10:56]

Hi Wolfie,

How representative of Bermudas racial mix would you say cricket and football are ?

Some of your Wolf pack sail and play Rugby and may I add very very well.

Avast there you swab shiver me timbers and rattle me cage maties we be off to Portarbellar on de noon tide.

Aye maties did ee see anything of a hairy assed gent lately ?

AR AR last time wese sawr im he be anging from me topsail AR .

[observor on 07.09.05 at 10:58]

BBW

Stop gnawing on your bone for a while, take a breath and prick up those wolf ears for a moment and try and listen to what everyone is saying.

The private clubs are doing a far better job of providing opportunities for our youth than is our own government. Try supporting them instead of chastising them for not doing enough. Leave your criticism for our leaders, they deserve it the most!

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 07.09.05 at 11:39]

Sorry guys I dont see it in the boats....much more can be done....I see who is out on the water and who is not! More can be done right across all sports...people who play together stay together.Sailing has just started to go after all resident sailors...but in some quarters it is still elitist and under pins Institutionalized racism...In respect to football and cricket most middle class whites and upper class whites and many white expats remove themselves completely from cricket or football or worse set up their own little private leagues to make sure they dont have to rub shoulders with black working class Bermudians.Its class as well as racial...All of you can pretend otherwise at the Mid Ocean Club Tuckers Point RYBC and Coral Beach...your mostly a sad lot!!!Hope you have enjoyed da ^..^ frigging with your little boats rigging!!! ha! ha!

[Curried Goat on 08.09.05 at 08:29]

Err, Wolfie, I think what you have describle is perhaps more institutionalised class divide, not racism.

I know many black people who have boats, some with big boats with big motors and no sails. If that is there preference then great, but it does not mean that the people whos boats have sails are racist.

[Big Bad Wolf ^..^ on 08.09.05 at 17:09]

Heah Goat where is the mint jelly when you need it...point taken....But I'm fixed on sailing....and other sports as well.We don't play together and thats the problem...and yes it cuts both ways.

[gary on 08.09.05 at 18:48]

Race, race, race, race, and race and when you think there's no more you're wrong. Just log on and they'll be racing again on race, race, race, race, and more race. Here's an idea why don't you all have a race to see who can leave bermuda and never come back. You lot are blogging-vell sickening.

[Sum1 on 26.12.05 at 10:30]

Why did you change what the children said? I personally am friends with most of them and I for one know that Jason Saints does not have such a colourful vocabulary, and neither do most children at the age of 13. I would really like to know what they said because you make them seem so much older rather than kids who do it because they just want to have fun and love the sport. You make it seem like it's their job to do it. Not just a sport.

[Sum1 on 26.12.05 at 10:36]

And also wolfie or wtv the hell your name is. True there is more of white to black ratio but there are some black people who do the sport too. Do you want some examples? Anthony Bailey... He went to the Europeans, North Americans, and South Americans. Gregory Trott, he's not as good but he's alright BUT he does go to public school. And there are other children as well, especially beginners!

If your wondering how I know I too sail with them and am 13, but you should be ashamed of being racist and acting like we're being racist instead.