Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico – Twelve countries have confirmed participation in the 2021 Optimist North American Championship (OPTINAM) scheduled for May 29 to June 5 in the Riviera Nayarit.
Linda Green, co-president of the event, confirmed that 113 competitors had registered so far, plus their coaches and team leaders, for a total of almost 150 participants.
The Vallarta Yacht Club and the Paradise Village Nuevo Vallarta hotel, the competition venues, are preparing to receive representatives from Argentina, Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Chile, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, United States, Uruguay, Virgin Islands, and Mexico.
“We are pleased to welcome such a large number of countries considering the current COVID environment we live in,” said Linda Green. She emphasized that the entire organization is working hard to ensure protocols are in place to keep participants, volunteers, and staff members safe.
“Bob Carr is our ‘Covid Czar’ and is working closely with the Paradise Village Hotel management to make sure the event is safe and successful in that regard,” she added.
The 2021 Optimist North American Championship is one of the most important world regattas for the Optimist Boat class and one of only seven continental championships sanctioned by the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA). It is also backed by the Mexican Sailing Federation (FMV) and the World Sailing Federation.
Participants in the championship are the best, fastest, and most talented young sailors globally; many of them are likely to be the next Olympic champions.
For more information on the progress of the championship, please visit optiworld.org.
Note: The Riviera Nayarit is a safe destination. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist establishments follow all of the health protocols established by the Federal Government’s Ministry of Health and operate at the allowed capacities. Access to beaches is limited. Be a responsible tourist: wear your mask and keep your distance.