2026 Optimist North American Championship at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron
by International Optimist Dinghy Association 6 Jun 12:21 PDT
21-28 May 2026
The 2026 Optimist North American Championship concluded in Halifax Harbour after an exciting week of youth sailing, international friendship, and strong competition, bringing together 172 young sailors from North and South America, the Caribbean, Japan, and Hong Kong.
Friendship and competition in Halifax
Hosted by the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, in partnership with the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Association and the International Optimist Dinghy Association, the championship showcased the talent, determination, and spirit of the next generation of sailors.
"The 2026 Optimist North American Championship is more than a regatta. It's an opportunity for more than 170 young sailors from around the world to build friendships, sportsmanship, and confidence through competition. We are proud to welcome the sailing community to Halifax and Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron," said Scott Carroll, Event Chairman.
"How exciting it is to gather here in Halifax Harbour, to reconnect with friends, make new ones, and enjoy what you love most, sailing your Optimist. Sail fast. Sail safe. Sail fair," said Sigrid Beckmann, IODA Vice President for the Americas.
William Keilty of Canada was crowned the 2026 Optimist North American Champion, finishing first overall with 12pts. Ines Mendez-Larminaux of Puerto Rico was the Top North American Girl sailor finishing third overall with 52pts. All three overall finishers were from the North American region, with Briggs Kossman of USA achieving 2nd with 20pts.
Overall Results: (top ten)
1. William Keilty, Canada, 12pts
2. Briggs Kossmann, USA, 20pts
3. Ines Mendez-Larminaux, Puerto Rico, 52pts
4. Jaiden Strickon, USA, 67pts
5. Walton Macpherson, USA, 69pts
6. Finn Hodgins, US Virgin Islands, 97pts
7. Lap Yan Nathaniel Cheung, USA, 97pts
8. Maxime McCulloch, USA, 100pts
9. Audrey Roachell, USA, 101pts
10. Otis Cardow, Mexico, 105pts
The championship also included exciting team racing, with Team USA 1 winning the 2026 Optimist North American Team Race Championship, followed by Team USA 2 in 2nd, and Team Canada 1 in third. Team Argentina 2 won the 2026 Optimist North American Nations Cup, followed by Argentina 3 in second and Argentina 2 in third.
Halifax Harbour provided a spectacular setting for the championship, offering challenging race conditions and a warm welcome from the local sailing community. The event also highlighted the important role of volunteers, officials, coaches, team leaders, families, and supporters in creating a meaningful international experience for young sailors.
The 2026 Optimist North American Championship reflected the values of the Optimist Class: fair competition, friendship, learning, and respect on and off the water. For many sailors, this championship represents an important step in their sailing journey and a lasting connection with friends from across the world.
The Optimist North American Championship was the first of seven IODA events scheduled for 2026. The international Optimist season now turns to the 2026 Optimist World Championship, which will be held next month in Tangier, Morocco, before concluding in Sri Lanka in December.