The 7th Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta finished on Sunday with continued strong breezes. The young sailors, ranging in age from eight to fifteen, showed the abilities of their eight foot craft by completing all of the scheduled races.
The overall winner, for the second year in a row, was 12 year old Cullen Shaughnessy of the USA. Cy Thompson of St. Thomas was second in overall fleet standings with another US sailor, Erik Bindslev, third.
In this sailing competition among youngsters, there are class divisions by age and one class for first time racers. In the class results, the tight competition among the international young sailors becomes apparent.
In the White Class, ages up to 11, winner was Cy Thompson (St. T), second was Tayor Canfield (St. T.), and third was Carlos Teixidor (Puerto Rico).
In the Blue Class, ages 11 to 13, winner was Cullen Shaughnessy (USA), second was Bruno Chalono (Martinique), and third was Thomas Barrows (St. T).
In the Red Class, ages 13 to 15, winner was Erik Bindslev (USA), second was Stephane Colombani (Martinique), and third was Ian Beam (St. John).
The Green Class for first time sailors was won by Callie Burks (St. John), second was Dorian Iribarren (St. John), and third was Brittany Thompson (St. Thomas).
Mary Frances Bonnet of Puerto Rico won the award as best female and Addison Caproni won the Pete Ives individual award for sportsmanship. The BVI Team won the Chuck Fuller Sportsmanship Award.