Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta – a perfect formula
by Connie Bischoff on 23 Dec 2010
Optis day one - Orange Bowl Regatta Tim Wilkes
Miami’s 2010 Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta will combine 665 sailors on 562 boats in 6 classes racing on 4 circles into one of the most popular youth sailing events in the USA.
The sailors, ranging from age 8 to 18, come from 22 countries and 28 states. The regatta, with racing Dec. 27-30, is hosted by Coral Reef Yacht Club and co-hosted by Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Shake-A-Leg Miami and the US Sailing Center - Miami.
This regatta has over 36 years of tradition. Ironically, it began in the 50’s and 60’s as a power boat race on Biscayne Bay. That explains why everything seems so fast and furious over the four days of racing. The Optimists (Red, Blue and White) are the biggest class with 217 sailors followed by 140 Laser Radials and 102 420s boats. The other classes are the beginner Green Fleet Optis, Laser Fullrigs and the Laser 4.7s.
Between the parties, College Night with over 18 college sailing coaches, CRYC’s swimming pool and Miami’s wonderful weather, it will all add up to a fun regatta with first class sailing competition. The big plus about 'the OB', as it is called, is that no one has to 'qualify' for anything other than a good time and the opportunity to make new friends. Stay tuned and start counting down the days.
The Platinum Sponsor is DinghyLocker@Landfall. The official website is at http://www.coralreefyachtclub.org/index.cfm?menu=7560. The regatta is a USSailing Junior Olympic Sailing Festival Event and is part of the Orange Bowl Festival which includes a number of youth sporting events that build up to the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl football game on January 3.
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