Following the successful South Pacific Games in 2007, at which Samoa managed to win its first two medals in sailing, there has been a renewed interest in the sport.

The Samoa Sailing Association in collaboration with Apia Yacht Club have had a busy season with a series of Regattas to develop the skills of both new and more experienced sailors.

The boats leased by SSFA to the Sailing Association are being put to good use and attracting a growing interest in the sport.

The latest of these Regattas was held on 8^th November with sponsorship from International Yacht Paints (Australia) and Sails Restaurant (Mulinuu).

The Sails Restaurant acted as hosts for this event offering spectacular views of the racing from the deck with the start and finish line within easy viewing for spectators. The sailors faced challenging conditions with light changeable winds requiring concentration and patience.

In the Junior Optimist class 14 young sailors competed in four races throughout the course of the afternoon. The event was won by Myka Stanley with three firsts and Kusunoki Abe was the best of the newly trained sailors coming in 5^th place.

The Laser class, which is benefiting from renewed interest as a result of the SPG boats, involved competition between 7 sailors ranging from teenagers to the over 50s! The top 3 positions were very close with Shannon Humrich taking the trophy for first place. The next event on the schedule is a competition in Pago at the end of November, where Samoa is confident of a good performance following all the racing practice over the last two months.