Registration open now for the International Optimist Regatta

Cream-of-the-crop venue meets competition and camaraderie at the 2018 IOR, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands © Dean Barnes

Registration is open now for the International Optimist Regatta (IOR), presented by EMS (Electronic Merchant Systems) Virgin Islands.

Set for June 11 to 17, this must-do Caribbean dinghy regatta kicks off with the equally not-to-miss TOTE Maritime Clinic, June 11 to 13 and TOTE Maritime Team Race, June 14. This trio of events is globally known for instruction by some of the best Optimist coaches in the world for both Green and Advanced fleet sailors, an opportunity to team race and some of the best international competition in perfect Caribbean conditions – all in a one-week event.

"We are delighted to announce that registration for the 2018 IOR is officially open. Although our host, St. Thomas Yacht Club, did suffer some damage in the hurricanes last fall, namely the loss of the dock, our junior sailing program, including Optimist sailing was able to get back underway within a month of the storms. We invite everyone to register now and look forward to seeing everyone in June!" invites regatta director, Holly Jenkins.

Over 100 junior sailors, including some of the best sailors in the sport, are expected to participate in this Caribbean Sailing Association-sanctioned regatta. Sailors can compete in Advanced Red (ages 13-15), Blue (ages 11-12) and White (ages 10 and under) as well as Beginner Green classes.

"We are inspired when our business partners invest in the health, happiness and growth of their communities. EMS Virgin Islands' continued commitment to the island community by presenting the 26th IOR will surely brighten and enrich the lives of many residents as well as the visitors it brings. The hardships that the island has endured over the past year have also impacted the staff at EMS Virgin Islands, but we are determined to help bring the economy and community back," says owner, Cobia Fagan.

The IOR's preceding events, the TOTE Maritime Clinic and TOTE Maritime Team Race offer an incredible opportunity for junior sailors to hone their skills and train for the main event

"We are proud to sponsor the TOTE Maritime Clinic and TOTE Maritime Team Race for this our tenth consecutive year. We look forward to hosting and continue contributing to the growth of this event as well as the development of our youth sailors," says Reinaldo Seijo, account executive, TOTE Maritime Agency USVI, Inc.

The IOR is sponsored by EMS Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, TOTE Maritime and K3 Waterproof Gear.

Registration open here.