Deadline approaches for 2015 International Optimist Regatta

by Carol Bareuther on 14 May 2015 Register now! The International Optimist Regatta (IOR), one of the first and largest regattas in the Caribbean to promote youth sailing, plus kick-off Sea Star Clinic and Sea Star Team Race, will take place June 15 to 21, 2015.

“We are excited and looking forward to a strong representation of sailors this year,” says regatta director, Margo Lynch. “This includes a team from St. Barths as well as a number of sailors from Puerto Rico.”

Eight to fifteen year-old junior sailors are expected to attend this St. Thomas Yacht Club- and Virgin Island Sailing Association (VISA)-hosted and Caribbean Sailing Association-sanctioned regatta.

The Sea Star Clinic begins Monday, June 15th and runs through Wednesday, June 17th.

Top international coaches who will teach both beginner and advanced sailors registered for the clinic are Argy Resano (ISV/St. Thomas Yacht Club), Manny Resano (USA National Team), Santiago Galan (St. Croix Yacht Club), Eric Bardes (USA National Team/FOR), Omari Scott (USA National Team/Coral Reef Yacht Club), Robby Bisi (USA National Team/Team FAST) and Greer Scholes (St. Thomas Yacht Club). This provides an optimal sailor to coach instruction ratio of 8:1.

“The Clinic provides sailors with an excellent opportunity to train, learn and sail against sailors from other teams/countries. It also gives them an opportunity to experience different sailing methods from someone other than their everyday coach and apply the techniques that work best for them,” says Resano. “The main goal for the clinic is starts. If a sailor has a good start there is a 60 to 70 percent chance to do well in the race. We will also focus on strategy and tactics both upwind and downwind.”

Registration fee for the Sea Star Clinic cost is $300 for non-U.S. Virgin Islands’ sailors and $275 for U.S. Virgin Islands’ residents. This payment includes breakfast and lunch for the three days. Clinic registration closes on May 15th.

Entry fee for the Sea Star Team Race is $160 per team of four sailors. Registration is available only on-site from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 17. The team race competition takes place on June 18th.

“We expect at least 16 teams from different countries and different teams within each country to team race,” says Resano. “Team racing is a different format of racing. The kids really like it because they have the opportunity to sail as a team rather than individuals. The races are short and really exciting, Boat handling, tactics, understanding of the game and the understanding the strengths of each team member makes all the difference.”

The IOR entry fee is $225 until May 15th and $250 from May 16 to June 18. This entry fee includes an event T-shirt, registration ‘goodie’ bag, and all meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday’s Brunch. The IOR sets sail June 19 to 21.

Trophies will be awarded to the top five sailors in each fleet and top three overall. Additional trophies include the Peter Ives’ Perpetual Trophy, the Chuck Fuller Sportsmanship Award and the top female sailor.

For charter boats, request and confirm online. Or, contact Alisa Forester, McLaughlin Boat Works, 1 (423) 875-4040 or 1 (423) 362-4508, Email: alisa@Optistuff.com Deadline to reserve charter boats is May 15, 2015.

For more information, call (340) 775-6320; fax: (340) 775-3600, or Email: internationaloptiregatta@gmail.com. Or, for the Notice of Regatta, Registration Forms, information on hotel discounts and other information, visit the St. Thomas Yacht Club website or click here.