St. Thomas Int'l Optimist Regatta and TOTE Clinic - Overall report

by Carol Bareuther on 1 Apr 2016 2016 St. Thomas Int'l Optimist Regatta and TOTE Clinic - Exceptional coaching, competition and camaraderie are the qualities that make the International Optimist Regatta (IOR), presented by EMS (Electronic Merchant Systems) Virgin Islands, and the TOTE Maritime Clinic and Team Race a ‘must-do’ event for Optimist sailors and their families. This trio of events, which attracts eight - to fifteen-year-old junior sailors, will be hosted out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club from June 13 to 19, 2016. What’s more, register by April 15 and get a nearly 20 percent discount on the cost of registration.

“We are expecting another fantastic year,” says regatta director, Ann Nicolosi. “Last year we had 84 sailors from seven countries. This year’s event will be a great warm-up for the Optimist North American Championships, which will be held in Antigua from July 10 to 18 in Antigua. In addition to our strong competitors from the U.S. Virgin Islands, we expect to have competitive sailors representing the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Antigua, USA and from around the world.”

To register click here.

Nearly 100 junior sailors are expected to attend this Virgin Island Sailing Association-hosted and Caribbean Sailing Association-sanctioned regatta.

The TOTE Maritime Clinic is set for June 13 to 15. Some of the best Optimist coaches in the world conduct on-the-water training sessions instructive on-land debriefs for both advanced (Red, White and Blue Fleets) and beginner (Green Fleet) sailors. The Clinic cost is $300 for non-U.S. Virgin Islands’ registrants 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 TOTE Maritime 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 15. The team race competition takes place on June 16th.

TOTE Maritime is an ocean freight carrier headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, that serves the areas of Jacksonville, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

International Optimist Regatta, presented by EMS.

“We at EMS (Electronic Merchant Systems) are proud to sponsor the International Optimist Regatta,” says Cobia Fagan, owner, EMS Virgin Islands. “With our support, EMS hopes to enable the St. Thomas Yacht Club junior sailing program to continue the rich history of excellence. We understand that our commitment will only further give the youths of our territory the ability to excel in this sport.”

The entry fee for the IOR, presented by EMS, is $185 on or before April 15th. The fee increases to $225 between April 16th and May 15th, and $250 from May 16 to June 16. This entry fee includes an event T-shirt, registration ‘goodie’ bag, and all meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday’s Brunch. The IOR, presented by EMS, sets sail June 17 to 19.

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 31, 2016.

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 and Co. (340-776-9292).

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!.