St John Sailor Takes 'Top Girl' During International Optimist Regatta

113 Sailors competed during this past weekend

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.

Perfect ending for Caribbean Regatta - Virgin Islands sailors (St Thomas, St Croix & St John) all in top scoring boats!

Silver Flight start race 10 June 24 2012 photo courtesy Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta

So proud of the Virgin Island sailors!  Here are the results from this weekend's Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta with St John, St Thomas and St Croix sailors all in top tier of sailors.  St John KATS made it into very top as well winning the Green Fleet in #1 position with St Croix and St Thomas in number #2 and #3 position.  Way to go!

More pictures and results...

Dean Barnes captured this photo of Optimist sailors

The Virgin Islands hosts young sailors from near and afar Jun 22 -24, 2012

15th Annual Optimist Regatta under sail

The 2012 Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta is celebrating its 20th year as a youth regatta. This event is hosted by the Virgin Island Sailing Association and held at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. Junior sailors from 8 to 15 years of age are expected from numerous destinations: the Caribbean, the mainland, and our friends from across the big ocean.  As of today the those registered for this year's Regatta are hail from places like Barbados, Bahamas, Texas, Florida, Maryland, BVI, Saint Maarten, Puerto Rico, and, of course the Virgin Islands (St John, St Croix and St Thomas).

The Scotiabank International Optimist Regatta fosters an extremely high caliber of racing amongst young sailors. It features awesome international competition amidst our great Caribbean sailing conditions. The week begins with a 3 day clinic coached by the Optisailors coaches. Thursday is an optional day of Team Racing which is followed by three days of racing in the main event. Our regatta is quickly becoming world renowned. Off the water, we have fun activities and evening events that cater to both kids and parents…everyone has a great time.

The Weather Channel predicts lovely weather and good winds for this week's Regatta so bring your sunscreen, water, and enthusiasm.  It should be fun for all!

Scotiabank International Optimist Facebook posting June 21, 2012