U.S. Virgin Islands' Int'l Optimist Regatta - Action coming soon

by Carol Bareuther on 9 Dec 2016 The opportunity to learn, race and play with some of the best in the sport are qualities that make the International Optimist Regatta (IOR), presented by EMS (Electronic Merchant Systems) Virgin Islands, a ‘must-do’ event for Optimist sailors and their families each year. This trio of events, which attracts 8- to 15-year-old junior sailors, will be hosted out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club from June 12 to 18, 2017.

“On behalf of the Virgin Island Sailing Association (VISA) and the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), we are pleased to announce the 25th Anniversary of the International Optimist Regatta,” says regatta director, Ann Nicolosi. “This event has attracted top sailors from many countries and serves as a wonderful venue for competitive racing among this youth class. In addition to the regatta, many of the competitors and their families come from outside of the territory and are our island guests for a week, supporting the local hotels, restaurants, and St. Thomas community,”.

Registration will open on January 15, 2017 at Regatta Network website.

Over 100 junior sailors are expected to attend this VISA-hosted and Caribbean Sailing Association-sanctioned regatta.

“EMS Virgin Islands is pleased to sponsor the IOR for a second year,” says Cobia Fagan, owner, EMS Virgin Islands. “This regatta is a great way to showcase our local young sailors and gives us the opportunity to host sailors from many other countries. Our hope is to get more youth involved in the sport on a local level and foster their love for sailing and the water.”

The IOR is sponsored by EMS Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and K3 Waterproof Gear.

For charter boats, request and confirm online at www.optistuff.com. Or, contact Pete Gregory, McLaughlin Boat Works, 1 (423) 875-0740, 1 (423) 875-4040 or Toll Free in the U.S. 1 (800) 784-6478; Email: pete@optistuff.com. Deadline to reserve charter boats is May 31, 2017.

For accommodations, call the Elysian (800-775-1000 ext. 568) or VP Rentals (800-788-4847). Rent condos or villas thorough Sea Glass Properties (340-774-5277), John Foster Real Estate (340-775-9500) or Curreri & Co. (340-776-9292).

For more information, call (340) 775-6320, 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.