The 21st International Optimist Regatta took place in US Virgin Islands waters this past weekend. Winds were tricky varying widely over the three day race with gusty squalls to barely a breeze to move the boats along. 

Sail World reported that the trophy for Top Girl was awarded to 14-year-old Paige Clarke, from St. John, USVI. Clarke also finished an impressive eighth overall. 

'I felt more confident this year,' says Clarke, who has the experience of a number of continental Optimist championships now under her belt. 'I called every shift and always saw what was coming.' 

The USVI’s Clarke also won the Pete Ives Award, given for a combination of sailing prowess, sportsmanship, determination and good attitude both on and off the water. 

Covering the fleet and staying in front proved successful strategies for 15-year-old Romain Screve. Screve won the 21st International Optimist Regatta presented by Glacial Energy and held out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club, U.S. Virgin Islands, from June 21 to 23. At the conclusion of today’s final two races, the San Francisco, California-based sailor lengthened his lead from three points to a very comfortable twenty. That’s quite a feat considering the keen level of competition in the 81-boat Advanced Optimist fleet. 

A total of 113 sailors competed in the Advanced Red, Blue and White Fleets and beginner Green Fleet. The Advanced Fleets completed 10 races and the Green Fleet a total of 18 races over the three days of competition. Sailors hailed from 9 nations – Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and the USA and USVI. 

15 year old Romain Screve took overall top honors

If you are interested in doing some sailing yourself when you are on St John check out these sailboats.