Register now to join the fleet of 80 junior sailors from throughout the Caribbean, U.S. and Europe who are already signed-up to race in the 2012 Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta (SIOR), June 22 to 24, and race prep Sea Star Clinic and Sea Star Team Race, June 18 to 21. Entrants include 2011 SIOR champion Wiley Rogers and the U.S. World’s Team who will compete in the Optimist World Championships in the Dominican Republic in July.
“The schedule of international regattas this summer created an opportunity for sailors to come to the SIOR as well as train in the Virgin Islands,” said regatta director Margo Lynch. “We have teams arriving early to train and teams that are staying late to take advantage of the great sailing conditions in the USVI.”
The Sea Star Clinic run by top international coaches from Optisailors.com will focus on starts, tactics, and strategy. Clinic cost is $300 for non-U.S. Virgin Islands’ registrants and $275 for U.S. Virgin Islands’ residents, and includes breakfast and lunch for the three days. Clinic registration closes on May 15.
Over 12 teams are expected for the Sea Star Team Race. Entry fee is $160 per team of four sailors. Registration closes at 5 p.m. on June 20.
The entry fee for the SIOR is $225 until May 15 and $250 after this date. Sailors registered prior to May 15 will have their names entered into a special drawing to win top-notch prizes. Final registration takes place June 21. The entry fee includes an event T-shirt, registration ‘goodie’ bag, and all meals from the Thursday, June 21st welcome party through Sunday’s brunch.
Shore side activities include an opening Parade of Nations, a Welcome Party, raffle, 20th Anniversary Party, ice cream social and Caribbean-themed night that includes fire dancers. The fun culminates with a beachside brunch and Awards Ceremony on June 24.
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. The Sea Star Perpetual Trophy will be inscribed with the names of the sailors on the winning team racing team.
This year’s event will follow an eco-friendly theme. Sailors will be urged to recycle all plastic water bottles, use the reusable water bottle in the goodie bag throughout the regatta, keep all lunch bags and wrapping out of the water and pick up any trash on shore and accept drinks without straws.
For more information, call 775-6320; fax: 775-3600, or e-mail: scotiabankregatta@gmail.com. Or, for the Notice of Regatta, registration forms, information on hotel discounts or other information, visit the St. Thomas Yacht Club Web site at www.styc.net
