Bermuda To Host 180 Sailors For Championship
Bermuda will host the 2013 IODA North American Championships from July 3rd – 11th, with 180 youth sailors from 20 countries taking part, with Bermuda set to be represented by 20 of our top young sailors.
Anthony Bailey, President of the Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association [BODA], said: “On behalf of the Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association I am pleased to say that we are on the “home stretch” of our preparations to host 180 youth sailors from 20 countries from July 3 through July 11.
“In less than 2 days however, the 180 Optimist Dinghies will be unloaded from shipping containers and will be spread out here in Barr’s Bay Park which will our land base for the next 3 weeks or so. In just one week’s time, international sailors will start to arrive to get some early training on the Great Sound, prior to the official arrival day of July 3rd.
“As you can imagine, a world class Continental Championship takes an unusual amount of volunteer effort and coordination. Our host Club, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club has opened its doors to the event and along with the BODA membership, has supplied the expertise, manpower and equipment needed to execute the on-the-water needs of what we believe is the largest one design regatta in Bermuda’s history. The entire Bermuda yachting fraternity has embraced this event and has come together from all parts of the island to help us with all aspects of the regatta from start to finish.
“Of course, an event of this magnitude requires an equally large budget. This regatta would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship and gifts–in-kind from the corporate and public sectors of Bermuda.
“I would like to thank the Department of Tourism, Department of Youth and Sport, Bank of Bermuda Foundation, Corporation of Hamilton, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Tokio Millennium Re, ACE, XL, Colonial, Butterfield and Vallis, Quo Vadis, Jardines, Dasani Water, BCM McAlpine, Buzz, The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Bermuda Container Line, Cellone, Bermuda Forwarders and Markel. A number of private individuals have also generously donated time and financial support. Many thanks to all of you.
“On July 4th at 6:30 pm we will officially launch “Optinam 2013” with a parade of nations from the RBYC to the southern end of Par La Ville Park where the opening ceremonies will take place. I invite members of the public to join us as we welcome our guests and we urge you to help cheer-on our talented Bermuda team of 20 young sailors,” concluded Mr Bailey.
better make sure Bermuda Customs are ON DUTY after 5pm or nothing will happen!