ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

Article by Stephanie Bridge

The members of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) have voted for Antigua and Barbuda to host the 2019 Optimist World Championship (Optiworld).

Photo: Optinam 2016 by Matias Capizzano

On 18th July 2017, Kathy Lammers, representing Antigua and Antigua Yacht Club for the bid to host, confirmed the hosting win, where Antigua and Barbuda will host the Optiworld over 6th – 16th July, 2019. The win is incredible news for Antigua and Barbuda as the World Championship event will bring roughly 250 young sailors and their support teams, from 50+ countries internationally. The 2017 Optiworld (11th – 21st July, 2017) in Thailand has welcomed a record-breaking 280 sailors from 62 countries, so the event in Antigua in July 2019 will bring big off-season action and international coverage for the island.

Previously, Antigua and the Antigua Yacht Club hosted the 2015 and 2016 Optimist North American Championship (Optinam), seeing approximately 160 sailors each edition competing here in the summer. As with Optinam, support from the Antigua and Barbuda Government, National Parks, and volunteers will be vital to host a successful event for the Optimist World Championship. Volunteers will be needed for boat loading/unloading and launching/recovery, Dockyard setup, registration, organization committee, and more. Added value can be given to the event, its competitors, and our visitors through young ambassadors, who would essentially adopt a team for the duration of the regatta, and provide local knowledge, represent our culture, and engage the teams while off the water. The concept would require volunteers as ambassadors and to manage the programme.

If you are interested in volunteering, or becoming a young ambassador, contact Nesie at the Antigua Yacht Club Office.

Click for the 2019 Optiworld Facebook Page and the IDOA website.