ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

Scores of young sailors marched into Nelson’s Dockyard in July 2015, for the start of Optimists North American Championships in Antigua (Photo credits: Matias Cappizano)

 Hundreds of young sailors will have their skills tested in the waters outside historic Nelson’s Dockyard, when the Optimists North American Championships, the biggest youth racing class in the World, returns to Antigua and Barbuda the sailing Capital of the Caribbean.

The event which is exclusively for sailors ages 8 – 15 will begin on July 10 and run until July 18. The aim of the Championships is to promote youth sailing worldwide. The Championships should also provide the environment necessary to ensure that individual friendships develop among competitors and goodwill amongst all participating Nations.

(Photo credits: Matias Cappizano)

This is the first time that the Optimist North American Championships Organisers have afforded a host country the opportunity to host the event consecutively.

Paola Vittoria, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committe said, “We are very proud that Antigua has been selected as the host venue for this prestigious event, for the second year in a row. Antigua has lived up to its reputation by  proving that it has the best sailing conditions, the most beautiful venue – Nelson’s Dockyard and great hospitality.”

Sailors from Antigua participated in the 2015 Optinam (Photo credits: M Capizzano)

Vittoria said, “It was with the help and generosity of the Government and People of Antigua & Barbuda that we were able to successfully host Optinam 2015 and promote the sport of sailing in Antigua. We have a great organizing committee, preparations have already begun for the 2016 event and we hope to see many kids, friends, and families in Nelson’s Dockyard in July.”

Last year, the destination welcomed 165 serious competitors from 23 countries as far as New Zealand, Japan and Singapore. Yi Nian Koh of Singapore, was the Overall Winner, amongst all the competing countries from the various regions in the world, while Teddy Nicolosi of USVI won the 2015 North American Championships.

2015 Optinam in English Harbour (Photo credits: M. Capizzano)

Among the Antiguan sailors, Rocco Falcone showed great confidence and finished 2nd overall within the North American Championships. Antigua and Barbuda is expected to field 8 competitors in the 2016 Optimists North American Championships in Antigua.

Look out for full details of the Championships on www.optinam2016.org.