Thailand to host Optimist Worlds 2017

by RVYC Media on 15 Jul 2016 The Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) based in Pattaya, Thailand, is proud to have been chosen to host the Optimist World Championship 2017. Home to Thailand’s first national championships over half a century ago, and with plenty of experience in hosting major international dinghy regattas, RVYC was voted as the ideal sailing venue by international delegates for next year’s IODA World Championship. The Optimist Worlds 2017 will take place 11-21 July 2017.

Located in a secluded cove between Pattaya and Jomtien, the RVYC promises exhilarating and enjoyable races with prevailing south-westerly winds adding real excitement. Azure waters and plenty of sunshine are guaranteed for the international teams and young sailors.

RVYC Commodore Tom Whitcraft is looking forward to adding to the Club’s calendar of events. “We are extremely proud at Royal Varuna to have the opportunity to host the Optimist World Championship 2017 and showcase Thailand as a great venue for international sailing events. We had our first Opti Worlds here at RVYC back in 1979, and it is great that RVYC has chosen to be the venue for this event, a second time. With a year to go the countdown has started towards a great sailing event. Thailand is blessed with good weather for sailing all year round, and we have more than our fair share of good sailing breeze.”

Location just a couple of hours from Bangkok, the RVYC facilities are second to none. Fleets have easy access to the water, launching from a secluded beach and lawn area. Visiting sailors will be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches and friendly local culture, plus an on-site clubhouse restaurant, sunset beach bar, salt water swimming pool and Club accommodation.

Prior to the Opti Worlds 2017, RVYC will be hosting a Summer Regatta 16-18 July 2016, the Eastern Seaboard Regatta between 22-24 October 2016, the Admiral’s Cup from 17-189 February 2017, and a Test Event for the Optimist World Championship 13-16 April 16 during Thailand’s Songkran water festival.

The Opti Worlds event is expected to attract more than 250 young sailors from 60 counties worldwide, creating a cosmopolitan international atmosphere at the RVYC. Tom Whitcraft applauds the talents of the competitors saying, “Sailing is a great sport for all ages and skill levels from beginners to world class competitors, but we are particularly proud to support our youth sailors.”

For more information about the Royal Varuna Yacht Club and Optimist Worlds 2017 event, please visit the websites www.varuna.org and www.optimistworlds2017.com