News Introducing the 420 Class to the Next Generation

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Introducing the 420 Class to the Next Generation

24
Mar 2016

The International 420 Class Association makes an annual appearance at the epic Optimist Easter Regatta on Lake Garda, which is the largest gathering of Optimist sailors in the world.

The 34th Meeting del Garda, hosted at Fraglia Vela Riva, has attracted Optimist sailors from across Europe and beyond, with 923 youngsters from 34 nations here and ready to race when the event kicks off on Saturday 26 March 2016.

With such a pool of dedicated young sailors in one location, the event is a perfect arena to introduce Optimist sailors to the 420 Class, as Jose Massapina, 420 Vice-President explained, “The Optimist Easter Regatta really is a wonderful opportunity to introduce Optimist sailors to the qualities of 420 Class. Whilst many have years ahead in the Optimist, the older sailors are ready and looking for the next step along their sailing journey. For them to see a 420 up close and get an insight to what sailing it is about, the skill sets they will develop, and also what they can transition to afterwards is a perfect opportunity.

“The 420 Class is a perfect feeder whatever youngsters want to sail when they are older, and provides a vast range of skill sets that will put them ahead of the game whatever they sail in the future.

“I have been here for one day so far, and already had great discussions with sailors and coaches from Bulgaria, Kuwait, Greece and Turkey to name a few. They are all delighted to learn about our unique training resources, such as the 420 to the Max video series and e-Book of Performance Training Exercises.”

For many years, the International 420 Class Association in partnership with Nautivela has taken a fully-rigged 420 to the Optimist meeting. The 420 will be on-site throughout the four day regatta, so there is plenty of opportunity to get to know more about the Class, ask questions and claim a complimentary 420 Class neck buff.

Read our Introduction to the 420 which gives an insight into sailing the boat, the skills set you will develop, the support available from the International 420 Class Association and training resources, as well as some of today's Olympic and high profile sailors who mastered their skills in the 420. Another interesting read is the 420 Class Flyer - a quick and succint overview.

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