30th anniversary International Optimist Regatta at St. Thomas Yacht Club registration is open!

Tropical start-line at the 2022 International Optimist Regatta © Matias Capizzano

Registration is open! The 30th anniversary International Optimist Regatta (IOR), the TOTE Clinic, and the TOTE Team Race will take place from June 12-18, 2023, at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. More specifically, the TOTE Clinic takes place June 12-14, followed by the TOTE Team Race, June 15, and the IOR June 16-18. For three decades, this week-long event has been recognized throughout the Caribbean and World for providing a great skill-sharpening grounds for top sailors and an excellent entry-level platform for juniors new to the sport.

"The St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC) invites sailors to register now for the 2023 IOR, TOTE Clinic, and TOTE Team Race," says Emily Zimmerman, regatta director, and STYC Commodore. "We are proud to say that over the past 30 years, winners and participants in the IOR have become college All-American sailors, Olympic and America's Cup sailors, underscoring both the great competition and fantastic sailing conditions we offer here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This year, the IOR offers a great opportunity to tune-up for the Optimist North American Championships, set for July 2-9, in Antigua. That said, we look forward to welcoming sailors, their friends, and families to St. Thomas to race with excellent wind, clear seas, and great competition."

The 2023 IOR can accept only a maximum of 125 sailors. Therefore, register early at: www.regattanetwork.com/event/25798. The registration fee for the IOR is $300, with late registration after May 1st of $350. The fee to enter the IOR and TOTE Clinic is $700, or $400 for the Clinic only. A refund, less a $150 processing fee, will be granted to those entries that cancel by May 1, 2023.

"In keeping in line with TOTE's emphasis on safety, reliability, and commitment, TOTE is again honored to sponsor the TOTE Clinic and the TOTE Team Race for the 13th year. TOTE is proud to be associated with the International Optimist Regatta 2023," says Clarence Nibbs, Terminal Manager USVI, for TOTE Maritime.

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 the 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), the Chuck Fuller Sportsmanship Perpetual Trophy, and the Founder's Perpetual Trophy (Top Female).

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

Some of the entrants in the 2022 International Optimist Regatta in front of the St. Thomas Yacht Club - photo © Dean Barnes

Make Plans Now!

For charters, contact Simmons Boatworks at: simmonsbw.com/collections/packages-transfers/products/winner-3d-star-optimist-charter The charter package comes with a Winner-brand hull with airbags, blocks, 3-to-1 mainsheet, and painter, on a dolly, with top cover. The deadline to reserve charter boats is May 1, 2023.

For coach boat charters, contact Zimmerman:

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

Available accommodations on St. Thomas in the Cowpet Bay area where the regatta takes place include hotels, B&Bs, resorts, villas, condos, VRBO rentals, and Airbnb's. For more information, visit: www.visitusvi.com and usvihta.com.

For more information, Email: or call (340) 775-6320. Or, for the Notice of Regatta (NOR), Registration Form, and other information, visit the St. Thomas Yacht Club website at www.stthomasyachtclub.org/sailing/regattas/international-optimist-regatta or Regatta Network: www.regattanetwork.com/event/25798. Please also visit the International Optimist Regatta on social media! @internationaloptiregatta.