THE Tanzania Sailing Association (TSA) is sending five young sailors, aged between 11 and 15 years, to represent the country at the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) African Optimist Championships.

The event will take place in Mahé, Seychelles, from September 14 to 21.

According to a press release from the association, the young sailors have been training at Msasani Bay. Four of them have previously participated in the African Championships, and TSA expressed its gratitude to the association for its continued support of the young athletes. 

The sailors selected for the competition hail from the Dar es Salaam Yacht Club and the Kigamboni Sailing Center.

"Optimist sailing is specifically designed for younger sailors between the ages of 7 and 15 years. The competition is organized in collaboration with the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA)," the press release stated.

The IODA has been actively promoting the development of the African Championships to enhance sailing across the continent. While the world championships are the pinnacle of the annual sailing calendar, the African Championships and other continental events play a crucial role in fostering competition and talent development.

Since 2005, Tanzania has participated in these events across different African countries. Notably, the country hosted the African Optimist Championships twice - in 2005 and again in 2012 - where 12 nations were represented, and the Minister of Sports officially opened the event.

Each member country in Africa can send up to 10 sailors, who qualify through national trials. 

To promote gender inclusivity in sailing, IODA encourages each team to include at least three female sailors among the 10 participants to support the growth of the girls’ fleet in the sport.