Bermuda Youth Sailors Competing In Portugal
Bermuda’s youth sailors have arrived in Vilamoura, Portugal, to compete in the International Optimist Dinghy Association’s[IODA] World Championships. The regatta started on Saturday, June 25th and ends July 4th.
The team of 5 were chosen after a qualification series of 16 races to determine the top sailors. Representing Bermuda is Micah Raynor, 14, Tayte Stefaniuk, 14, Felix Cutler, 14, Jordan Etemadi, 13 and Leyli Walker, 12.They are accompanied by their Coach Pablo Weber and Team Leader Mona Walker and Country Representative Bethanne Thomas.
The regatta will pit Bermuda’s sailors against the best optimist sailors from the globe. There are 253 sailors entered from 58 nations. This will be Tayte’s third World Championships and Micah’s second. Jordan Etemadi, Felix Cutler and Leyli Walker are going to the Opti Worlds for the first time.
BODA Vice President said Sean Ringsted commented; “BODA is very excited to have such a talented team of sailors represent Bermuda at the Optimist Worlds in Portugal. They will be sailing against the best in the world and I am confident that this outstanding group of sailors will perform admirably.
“We are fortunate to have the support of Coach Pablo and other partners, including parents, Aspen and the BSA to make this event possible. We are seeing the Optimist class go from strength to strength in Bermuda and the experiences of our World’s team will provide inspiration to all our young sailors.
Keep up the hard work, guys! We are all watching!