Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico - Beautiful Banderas Bay is once more the setting for a major international sailing championship. From July 9th through July 16th, 175 junior sailors, aged 11 to 15, from 19 countries, are competing in the North American Optimist Championships.

The Optimist, a 7 1/2 foot flat bottomed boat, is the biggest and fastest growing dinghy class in the world, and the only dinghy designed exclusively for children under 15 recognized by the International Sailing Federation.

As one of the most intensely competitive classes worldwide, despite the youthfulness of its sailors, the Optimist has emerged through the years as the premier developmental boat for young sailors. Optimist sailing provides a secure foundation for children entering the sport to develop into world class sports men and women.

The Optinam 2014 Championships will be hosted by the Vallarta Yacht Club, located in the Paradise Village Resort; the course will be set on the north side of the harbor entrance to Nuevo Vallarta. The Optis will be staged from the parking lot at the Yacht Club, launched and towed to the course.

The championships begin with the measurement process of the boats and sails. The junior sailors will then compete for 6 days on the water to determine the North American Champion for Opti Class. On July 16, awards will be presented to the top competitors.

The best spectator vantage point for the races will be from Paradise Village Beach. Get in on the action and watch Mexico's future Olympians set up prior to the race and when they return from each day's competition at the Vallarta Yacht Club.