Please select your home edition
Edition
Switch One Design

Register now for the International Optimist Regatta, Clinic & Team Race at St. Thomas Yacht Club

by Carol Bareuther 7 Jan 2020 14:57 GMT 15-21 June 2020
Some 113 junior sailors from a dozen nations participated in the 2019 IOR © Dean Barnes

Registration is open! The International Optimist Regatta (IOR), presented by EMS (Electronic Merchant Systems) Virgin Islands, and the TOTE Maritime Clinic and Team Race, will take place June 15-21, 2020. More specifically, the Clinic takes place June 15-17, followed by the Team Race, June 18 along with a Parade of Nations and Welcome Party, and IOR, June 19-21.

"The St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC) and the Virgin Island Sailing Association (VISA) invite sailors to register now for the 2020 IOR, Clinic and Team Race," says clinic and regatta director, Holly Jenkins. "This will be our 28th annual regatta, marking nearly three decades of providing great skill-sharpening grounds for top sailors and an excellent entry level platform for juniors new to the sport. We look forward to welcoming sailors, their friends and families to the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas and to a fabulous time meeting new friends and most importantly racing with excellent wind, clear seas and great competition."

Last year, a near record 113 junior sailors from a dozen nations competed. This year, organizers anticipate a similar number. However, the IOR can only accept a maximum of 125 sailors. Therefore, register early - click here.

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 the Beginner Green fleet.

Trophies will be awarded to the top five finishers in the Red, Blue and White classes and top three overall as well as the top place female. Participation awards will be awarded to all Green fleet sailors. Additional awards include the Peter Ives' Perpetual Trophy (superb sailor/individual) and the Chuck Fuller Sportsmanship Perpetual Trophy.

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

For charter boats, request and confirm online at www.optistuff.com. Or, contact McLaughlin Boat Works, 1 (423) 875-0740, 1 (423) 875-4040 or Toll Free in the U.S. 1 (800) 784-6478; Email Deadline to reserve charter boats is May 15, 2020.

For coach boat charters, contact Jenkins, email

Traveling to St. Thomas is easy! The following airlines fly direct from major U.S. cities: American (Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, Philadelphia), Delta (Atlanta, New York), jetBlue (Boston, San Juan), Spirit (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando) and United (Chicago, Houston, Newark, Washington Dulles). Airlines connecting St. Thomas to the Caribbean include Air Sunshine, Cape Air, LIAT and Seaborne Airlines.

Available accommodations on St. Thomas include hotels, B&B's, resorts, villas, condos, VRBO rentals and Airbnb's. For more information, visit www.visitusvi.com and usvihta.com.

For more information, call (340) 513-2234, Email . Or, for the Notice of Regatta (NOR), Registration Form and other information, visit the St. Thomas Yacht Club website or Regatta Network. Please also visit the International Optimist Regatta on Facebook!

Related Articles

Welsh Youth and Junior Championships
More than 80 young sailors competing from across the country at Plas Heli Big breeze and waves for the 2025 Welsh Youth & Junior Championships saw more than 80 young sailors demonstrating their skills and resilience at Plas Heli, Pwllheli. Posted today at 2:11 pm
Blackwater SC Cadet and Club Weeks
Fierce competition and memorable camaraderie for sailors of all ages and abilities The Blackwater Sailing Club is proud to celebrate another wonderful season on the water with two of the Club's most anticipated events in the calendar, the Cadet and Club Weeks that bring its members together in celebration. Posted on 9 Sep
Magic Marine Optimist and Tera Round Hayling Race
54 competitors enjoy the revived event originally from the 1980s Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC) hosted the revival of the Round Hayling Island Race on Sunday 24th August 2025. Alex Browne, Optimist Class Captain at HISC, had the idea to bring this race back with a small volunteer committee. Posted on 3 Sep
Broadland Youth Regatta at Rollesby Broad
8 clubs race together in a safe, enclosed, and welcoming environment On the 30th August 2025, Rollesby Broad Sailing Club hosted the 31st Broadland Youth regatta. The event brought together eight sailing clubs across Norfolk and Suffolk, providing the youth sailors with the opportunity to showcase their skills. Posted on 2 Sep
Cadet Week at Thorpe Bay
Perhaps the highlight is the infamous Stingray Lemans Trophy Race 113 cadets arrived for the annual Thorpe Bay Yacht Club cadet week from 11th to the 14th of August, greeted with a forecast of five days of glorious sunshine and light breezes, perfect for their young sailors ranging from 4 - 18 years old Posted on 1 Sep
Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja 2026 Preview
The Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja is already working hard on the 18th edition The Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja is already working hard on the 18th edition of the Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja Trophy 2026. This edition will be held between 29th January and 1st February and will be very special. Posted on 28 Aug
2025 Canadian Optimist Nationals
Will Keilty wins historic three-peat Under sunny skies, shifting winds and monster swells from Hurricane Erin, the 2025 Canadian Optimist Dinghy Championships unfolded this past week at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron. Posted on 27 Aug
Free entry for Coached Regatta Fleet
Book now for Optimist End of Season Championships in Parkstone The UK Optimist Class Association is offering free entry for all Coached Regatta Fleet sailors at this year's Optimist End of Season Championships, taking place 4-5 October at Parkstone Yacht Club. Places are limited to 36 sailors. Posted on 21 Aug
Optimists in the Ora Cup Ora overall
Three days of sailing and friendship for almost 600 young sailors from 35 nations The Circolo Vela Arco, together with the Italian Sailing Federation, wrapped up the 30th edition of the Ora Cup Ora in style, confirming its place as one of the most popular and eagerly awaited events on the Optimist calendar. Posted on 10 Aug
Optimists in the Ora Cup Ora day 2
Light winds, prize lottery, and new challenges ahead in Sunday's Gold Fleet The second day of the Ora Cup Ora 2025 was sailed in lighter winds, perfectly in line with the spirit of an event that, for 30 editions, has combined sailing, friendship, and tourism on Lake Garda. Posted on 9 Aug