April 17, 2007 – Unofficially dubbed the "biggest little regatta in the Caribbean," the Scotiabank Caribbean International Optimist Regatta, hosted by St. Thomas Yacht Club in the U.S.V.I., is set to sail for its 15th time from June 21-24. A starting line with 80-plus skippers from 8 to 15 years of age is expected, and participants will hail from all three U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Trinidad and other Caribbean island nations such as Martinique and St. Lucia. "We're also expecting up to four teams of sailors from the U.S. mainland, Florida and New York," says Karen Rice, who co-directs this year's regatta with Cindy Hackstaff.
Pre-regatta activities will begin Monday, June 18 and run through Wednesday, June 20, when top national and international coaches will teach a three-day instructional clinic. Cost of the clinic is $185 and includes breakfast and lunch for the three days.
Final registration and a practice race will be held Thursday, June 21. However, those that register prior to May 15 will have their names entered in a special drawing to win top-notch sailing gear. Sailors can enter online at www.styc.net
The three-day regatta will kick off Friday, June 22, and end with a beachside BBQ brunch and awards ceremony on Sunday, June 24, locally celebrated as Father's Day. A welcoming pizza party, DJ Night and Caribbean Night featuring a firewalker and limbo dancing will highlight other fun activities ashore.
Racing will take place in Cowpet Bay. "If we can logistically make it happen, we're trying for a separate racing area for the Green Fleet (novices), to help them feel more comfortable racing in larger fleets," Rice says.
Trophies will be awarded to the top five in each fleet and top three overall. Additional prizes include the Commodore's Trophy and Sportsmanship Award.
The regatta entry fee is $135 and includes an event T-shirt, registration goodie bag and all meals from Thursday's (June 21) welcoming party through Sunday's brunch.
For more information, contact Cindy Hackstaff at: [email protected] and Karen Rice at: [email protected]; call 777-6613 or 775-6320; fax: 775-3600. Or, for the Notice of Regatta and other information, check out the regatta web site at www.styc.net
For charter boats, contact Alisa Forester, McLaughlin Boat Works,
1-800-784-6478, 1-423-875-0740, E-mail: [email protected] or http://www.optistuff.com
Participating hotels for housing include: Elysian Beach Resort (775-1000), Bolongo Bay Beach Club (775-1800), Cowpet Bay (www.viprentals.com), and the Anchorage Beach Resort (1-800-874-7897).