02
JUL
Once again, Antigua and Barbuda have been selected as the venue for top-tier sailing. From July 2-9, 2023, they will play host to the prestigious 2023 North American Optimist Championships (OptiNams). This event falls under the jurisdiction of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA), in collaboration with the Antigua Yacht Club and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. Over 20 countries will send their young sailors and support teams to these beautiful islands for an exhilarating week of competitive racing.
The North American Championship holds significant importance as one of seven international championships held annually. It serves as a crucial stepping stone for sailors aspiring to compete at the yearly World Championships. Antigua has proudly hosted this event twice before, and in 2019, it was the proud host of the Optimist World Championships, setting records with participants from 65 nations.
Karl James, MBE, a two-time Olympian, President of the Antigua & Barbuda Sailing Association, and sailing manager at the Antigua Yacht Club, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to once again be the host of the IODA OptiNams in July 2023. This event not only provides our young sailors with an exceptional opportunity to compete in familiar waters but also offers Antigua a chance to showcase our island’s splendor and the remarkable sailing experiences it has to offer.
