Bahamas Optimist Nationals
by Thierry S. Huguenin 6 Oct 2010 11:53 BST
2-3 October 2010
Daniel Gibson leads the Bahamas Optimist fleet © Robert Dunkley
A total of thirty six boats competed this past weekend on Montagu Bay in Nassau in the championship fleet of the 2010 Bahamas Opti National Championship. Sailors coming from Nassau, but also from Long Island, Abaco, Freeport, Governor’s Harbour and Harbour Island.
Three races were sailed on Saturday in light wind conditions and four races were completed on Sunday in 8 to 11 knots winds.
Fourteen year old Daniel Gibson from Nassau was crowned Bahamas Champion 2010. Daniel sailed consistently, finishing among the top six sailors in all races except for a seven place in race number two. This is the first time he is awarded the Geoffrey Holowesko Trophy. Congratulations Daniel!
Finishing second of the regatta, Spencer Cartwright from Nassau and third, Tyler Cartwright from Long Island.
Forty five boats competed in the less experienced green fleet and six races were completed. With a second place in the first race and five first places in the subsequent races, eleven year old Paul de Souza from Nassau won the regatta followed by Laquille Cleare in second position and by Wesley Cleare in third position both from Harbour Island.
“There was a total of 81 boats competing in the 2010 Junior National Championship in Montagu Bay and 52 of these boats came from the family islands. This is the largest out island representation that we have ever had in the junior national championship and it is the first time the family island boats have outnumbered the New Providence [Nassau] boats. This is definitely a positive sign for the future of sailing in the Bahamas.” explained John Lawrence, President of the Bahamas Sailing Association. “There were 4 boats from Abaco, 16 from Grand Bahama, 10 from Long Island, 29 from New Providence, 6 from Governors Harbour and 16 from Harbour Island.” John added.
“Great to see so many boats out on the water.” emphasized Regatta Chairman Francisco de Cardenas before thanking all the sponsors for their continuous support: Bahamas Waste, Cable Bahamas, Coca-Cola, Sun-Tee, Kerzner International, KFC, KPMG, Ministry of Tourism, Odyssey Aviation Bahamas, Panama Jack, RBC and Rotary Club of East Nassau.