33rd International Optimist Regatta, TOTE Clinic and TOTE Team Race kick off this week

On the water coaching at TOTE Clinic by world-class coaches. Credit: © IOR / Nikki Barnes

Nearly 100 junior sailors - representing Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Trinidad & Tobago, and the U.S. states of California, Florida, Maine, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island - are on the water today participating in the TOTE Clinic, and upcoming the TOTE Team Race on Thursday and the 33rd International Optimist Regatta (IOR), hosted by the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), which finishes on Sunday.

These 7- to 15-year-old sailors are each skippering an 8-foot-long single-sail Optimist dinghy, the gold standard in teaching kids how to sail and the largest one-design class in the World. Now in its fourth decade, this week-long trio of events is recognized throughout the Caribbean and the World as both attracting top sailors and as an excellent entry-level platform for juniors new to the sport.

"The beauty of the IOR is that it's a week-long experience, not just a regatta or clinic. Sailors learn from world-class coaches while building skills, confidence, and friendships that often last a lifetime. We're excited to welcome sailors and their families to St. Thomas for a week of racing, learning, and fun. Many former competitors have gone on to become college All-Americans, America's Cup sailors, Olympians, and lifelong friends," says Heather Scholes, IOR director.

Ready, set, sail

The excitement is tangible as the young sailors take to the water for the TOTE Maritime Clinic with plenty of trade winds to power their dinghies.

"Out of all of the venues I have sailed, IOR continues to be one of my favorites because of the challenging conditions and welcoming community," says Ellie Wetzel, representing the Mantoloking Yacht Club in New Jersey, USA.

Fellow sailor Dhruv Rambhajan, from the Trinidad & Tobago Yachting Association, adds, "I look forward to the occasion to push myself, understand my limits, and go beyond them, all while representing Trinidad and Tobago. I am excited to race against strong competition, test my skills in a new, challenging environment, and see how much my sailing will improve. I look forward to spending a week on the water, practicing the sport that I love."

Coach Mykel Alonso, from Florida's Coral Reef Yacht Club, holds an instructive chalk talk for sailors - photo © St. Thomas Yacht Club

Some of the best Optimist coaches conduct on-the-water training sessions and instructive on-land debriefs for both Advanced (age-divided Red, White, and Blue Fleets) and beginner (Green Fleet) sailors at the TOTE Maritime Clinic. This year's coaches include Manuel 'Manny' Resano, head coach for the U.S. National Team; Esteban 'Pilo' Rocha, Lauderdale Yacht Club, Florida, USA; Mike Dowd, CERT Team USA; Agustin 'Argy' Resano, St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), USVI; Mykel Alonso, Coral Reef Yacht Club, Forida, USA; Nikki Barnes, STYC, Coral Reef Yacht Club and 2020 Olympian in Women's 470; Emily Verdoia, STYC; Coby Fagan, STYC; Audry Zimmerman, STYC; Emma Walters, STYC; and Mila Melbourne, STYC.

"The experience of training and sailing with different coaches makes this week unique," says the USVI's Resano, whose two decades of coaching at the STYC have produced an Optimist Worlds runner-up, three North American champions, and another three Women's North American champions.

The TOTE Team Race takes place on Thursday, June 18, 2026. This fast-paced, highly tactical format pits two teams of four sailors against each other. Unlike fleet racing, where individuals compete for the best finish, team racing is scored on the combined performance of all boats, requiring teamwork and strategy to outmaneuver the opposition.

The IOR, which features fleet racing, runs Friday through Sunday, June 21. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, at STYC, trophies will be awarded to the top five finishers in the Red, Blue, and White classes, the top three overall, and the top-place female. Participation awards will be awarded to all Green Fleet sailors. Additional awards include the Peter Ives' Perpetual Trophy (superb sailor/individual), the Chuck Fuller Sportsmanship Perpetual Trophy, and the perpetual Founders Trophy, awarded to the Top Female Sailor.

Sailors rigging their boats on the beach at the St. Thomas Yacht Club - photo © IOR / Nikki Barnes

Strong Sponsor Support

The IOR is sponsored by TOTE, Switlik Survival Products, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, and supported by Simmons Boatworks, Buddha on the Fly, Budget Marine, St. Thomas Restaurant Group, Christie's International Real Estate, and Colie Sails.

This year's event will follow an eco-friendly theme. Each sailor receives a reusable metal water bottle to reduce waste. Sailors are also encouraged to keep all lunch bags and wrapping out of the water, pick up trash on shore, and accept drinks without straws.

For more information, Email: or call (340) 775-6320. Or, for the Notice of Regatta (NOR), Registration Form, IOR scores, and other information, visit the St. Thomas Yacht Club website or Regatta Network. Please also see the International Optimist Regatta on Facebook and Instagram @internationaloptiregatta.