US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association
Over 100 junior sailors from several nations participated in the 2018 IOR. Credit: Dean Barnes.
The International Optimist Regatta (IOR), presented by EMS (Electronic Merchant Systems) Virgin Islands, and the TOTE Maritime Clinic and Team Race, takes place June 10 to 16 at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. More specifically, the Clinic happens June 10 to 12, followed by the Team Race, June 13 along with a Parade of Nations and Welcome Party, and IOR, June 14 to 16.
“We’re expecting an even more international regatta this year since sailors from a record 64 countries have entered the Optimist Worlds, in Antigua, which is three weeks after our event. Already we have sailors registered from Antigua, Argentina, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Ecuador, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the USA and all three U.S. Virgin Islands,” says Holly Jenkins, regatta director. “In terms of numbers, there should be over 100 Advanced and Green Fleet sailors. We look forward to welcoming these junior sailors, their families, friends and coaches.”
The spectacular week of junior sailing kicks off with the TOTE Maritime Clinic, June 10 to 12. Some of the best Optimist coaches conduct on-the-water training sessions instructive on-land debriefs for both Advanced (age-divided Red, White and Blue Fleets) and beginner (Green Fleet) sailors.
“We have some of the top international coaches that work in the U.S., each bringing different aspects and coaching techniques to the clinic,” says St. Thomas Yacht Club coach, and Clinic and Team Race organizer, Agustin ‘Argy’ Resano. “The objective of the clinic will be the trademark it has become known for. That is, focusing mainly on starts and big fleet management.”
Over a dozen teams are expected for the TOTE Maritime Team Race on June 13.
“We are honored to again be a part of this wonderful event, which unites youth sailors from several countries each year and allows these sailors to develop skills through sportsmanship that will serve them well in the future. We look forward to continuing hosting the IOR clinics and team race events for many more years,” says Reinaldo Seijo, account executive for TOTE Maritime Agency USVI.
The IOR, presented by EMS Virgin Islands, is June 14 to 16.
“Boating plays a huge role in our lives here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sailing, specifically, provides our young sailors with a discipline that will stay with them for life. Grit, confidence, responsibility…the list is endless. We, at EMS Virgin Islands, are proud sponsors of the IOR and look forward to an exciting event this year,” says Cobia Fagan, owner, EMS Virgin Islands.
The IOR is sponsored by EMS Virgin Islands, TOTE Maritime, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and K3 Waterproof Gear.
For more information, call 340-513-2234, email internationaloptiregatta@gmail.com or visit www.styc.club or www.regattanetwork.com. Please also visit the International Optimist Regatta on Facebook!