2019 St. Thomas International Regatta - Early Entry Discount Ends May 15th

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Tell your friends! Whether you want to tune up for the Optimist Worlds or learn new tactics for a summer of racing, register now for the International Optimist Regatta (IOR), presented by EMS (Electronic Merchant Systems) Virgin Islands, and the TOTE Maritime Clinic and Team Race, which takes place June 10 to 16, 2019, at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. More specifically, the Clinic happens June 10 to 12, followed by the Team Race, June 13 along with a Parade of Nations and Welcome Party, and IOR, June 14 to 16.

Early entry registration is $275 through May 15; $300 after this date.

Plus, the deadline to reserve charter boats is May 17, 2019.

"We’re expecting an even more international regatta this year since sailors from a record 64 countries have entered the Optimist Worlds, in Antigua, which is three weeks after our event. Already we have sailors registered from Antigua, Argentina, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Ecuador, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the USA and all three U.S. Virgin Islands,” says Holly Jenkins, regatta director. “In terms of numbers, there should be over 100 Advanced and Green Fleet sailors. We look forward to welcoming these junior sailors, their families, friends and coaches.”

The spectacular week of junior sailing kicks off with the TOTE Maritime Clinic, June 10 to 12. Some of the best Optimist coaches conduct on-the-water training sessions instructive on-land debriefs for both Advanced (age-divided Red, White and Blue Fleets) and beginner (Green Fleet) sailors.

“We have some of the top international coaches that work in the U.S., each bringing different aspects and coaching techniques to the clinic,” says St. Thomas Yacht Club coach, and Clinic and Team Race organizer, Agustin ‘Argy’ Resano. “The objective of the clinic will be the trademark it has become known for. That is, focusing mainly on starts and big fleet management.”

Over a dozen teams are expected for the TOTE Maritime Team Race, on June 13^th. Entry fee for this one-day event is $160 per team of 4 sailors. Registration is available only on-site from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 12th.

“We are honored to again be a part of this wonderful event, which unites youth sailors from several countries each year and allows these sailors to develop skills through sportsmanship that will serve them well in the future.  We look forward to continuing hosting the IOR clinics and team race events for many more years,” says Reinaldo Seijo, account executive for TOTE Maritime Agency USVI.

The IOR, presented by EMS Virgin Islands, is June 14 to 16. The regatta entry fee includes an event T-shirt, registration ‘goodie’ bag, and all meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday’s Brunch. Early entry registration is $275 through May 15; $300 after this date.

"Boating plays a huge role in our lives here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sailing, specifically, provides our young sailors with a discipline that will stay with them for life. Grit, confidence, responsibility…the list is endless. We, at EMS Virgin Islands, are proud sponsors of the IOR and look forward to an exciting event this year," says Cobia Fagan, owner, EMS Virgin Islands.

The IOR is sponsored by EMS Virgin Islands, TOTE Maritime, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and K3 Waterproof Gear.

For charter boats, request and confirm online at www.optistuff.com. Or, contact McLaughlin Boat Works, 1 (423) 875-0740, 1 (423) 875-4040 or Toll Free in the U.S. 1 (800) 784-6478; Email: sales@optistuff.com Deadline to reserve charter boats is May 17, 2019.

For coach boat charters, contact Jenkins: internationaloptiregatta@gmail.com

Traveling to St. Thomas is easy! The following airlines fly direct from major U.S. cities: American (Boston, New York, Miami, San Juan-Puerto Rico), Delta (Atlanta), jetBlue (Boston, connecting through San Juan-Puerto Rico), Spirit (Fort Lauderdale), United (Chicago, Dulles, Newark) and US Airways (Philadelphia, Charlotte). Airlines connecting St. Thomas to the Caribbean include Seaborne Airlines, Cape Air, LIAT and InterCaribbean Airways.

Available accommodations on St. Thomas include hotels, B&B’s, resorts, villas, condos, VRBO rentals and Airbnb’s. For more information, visit: www.visitusvi.com and usvihta.com

For more information, call (340) 513-2234, Email: internationaloptiregatta@gmail.com. Or, for the Notice of Regatta, Registration Form and other information, visit the St. Thomas Yacht Club web site at www.styc.club or www.regattanetwork.com

Please also visit the International Optimist Regatta on Facebook!

ABOUT THE SPONSORS

Electronic Merchant Systems (EMS) Virgin Islands. EMS Virgin Islands offers an extensive suite of payment acceptance options through Electronic Merchant Systems, a proven leader of the industry. We work to give customers the opportunity to pay using their preferred method, including a feature rich, affordable POS system that includes EMV, Apple Pay and Google Pay.  We're continually adding new solutions, allowing business owners to make their products or services available to the broadest audience possible. www.emsvirginislands.com (340) 513-9759.

TOTE Maritime. TOTE Maritime is a domestic ocean freight carrier headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, that offers freight services for containerized cargo between the U.S., San Juan, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. TOTE is the first carrier to operate liquid natural gas (LNG) powered vessels. www.totemaritime.com

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the Eastern Caribbean 1,100 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, USA. Each of the three major islands–St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John–possesses a unique character of its own. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of watersports as well as immerse themselves in the territory’s rich culture by enjoying historical tours, culinary encounters, artisan fairs, parades, storytelling and other special presentations. www.visitusvi.com