ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

From 13 countries, 124 youngsters with family and coaches cheered and danced and waved flags as the 2023 North American Optimist Championships  drew to a close.  The Minister of International affairs, , Mr Chet  Greene thanks the terms and organisers and volunteers and invited them all to return the the beautiful island. In 2019 Antigua was host to the largest number of nations in any Optimist event, with 65 nations taking part, and they keep coming back! 

Hot from The Optimist World Championships in Italy, the teams enthusiastically took to the water with  challenging winds on day one and big swells all week. Team Antigua, Patrick Greensmith, Henry Greensmith, Carrack Jones, Tyden Jones, Imani John-Polanco did credit to Antigua with Patrick representing  the country in the Gold class   

With the superyachts and small vessels having sailed away to less exciting waters for the Summer, the Optinam regatta gave a much needed boost to local businesses, who, despite an increasing number of tourists to Antigua, have found the Winter season difficult.  “ it’s great having the kids here” said one of the restaurants, “it’s so quiet otherwise.” 

Sigrid Beckmann the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) 

VP of the Americas summed it up in her brief opening speech:  “Make the most of your time here and enjoy friendship and sailing in nature with the best! Sail fast.  Sail safe.  Sail fair.”

Check out the results here.