Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico - After the tenth and final race of the 2014 North American Optimist Sailing Championship, all 175 young sailors returned to the shore to gather their equipment, change into their countries’ team uniforms and meet in the Paradise Village Convention Center for the Awards ceremony.

Regatta Chairperson, Linda Green, led the brief opening remarks, and along with representatives of the International Optimist Class Association and the Mexican Sailing Federation, thanked the many sponsors, support personnel and the young athletes themselves, who made the regatta such a success.

Vallarta Yacht Club’s Director of Nautical activities and the Regatta Scorer, Andy Barrow, presented a synopsis of the week’s races, leading into the announcing of each individual sailor’s name as they approached the podium to receive their 2014 OPTINAM participation medals. Official regatta photos by Matias Cappizano of the action on the water flashed on the stage screen as the internationally popular song "Sailing" played in the background.

The 1-day special Team Racing competitors were the first to receive the colorful handcrafted Huichol Indian beaded Whale's Tail trophies. Singapore won the Open Nations Cup with the USA being awarded the North American Cup.

Individual awards were presented to the top 15 contenders and to the top 5 Best Placed Females of the Open championship. Jodie Lin of Singapore led in both categories and was named the Overall Female Champion of the Competition. The USA swept the 3 best placed of North America with Ivan Shestopalov being named the 2014 North American Champion.

The final results were: First place, Jodie Lin (Singapore) Second place, Ivan Shestopalov (USA), Third place, Benjamin Fuenzalida (Chile), Fourth Place, Ryan Kwok (Singapore) and Fifth place, Luke Arnone (USA). Three permanent trophies were awarded to: Ivan Shestopalov as Male Open and North American Male Champion. Carmen Cowles of the USA received the final award as the North American Female Champion.