2026 Optimist North American Championship

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2026 Optimist North American Championship

Halifax, Canada

2026 Optimist North American Championship Celebrates Youth Sailing, Friendship and Competition in Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia — 28 May 2026 — The 2026 Optimist North American Championship concluded in Halifax Harbour after an exciting week of youth sailing, international friendship, and strong competition, bringing together more than 170 young sailors from around the world.

Hosted by the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, in partnership with the Canadian Optimist Dinghy Association and the International Optimist Dinghy Association, the championship showcased the talent, determination, and spirit of the next generation of sailors.

“The 2026 Optimist North American Championship is more than a regatta. It’s an opportunity for more than 170 young sailors from around the world to build friendships, sportsmanship, and confidence through competition. We are proud to welcome the sailing community to Halifax and Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron,” said Scott Carroll, Event Chairman.

“How exciting it is to gather here in Halifax Harbour, to reconnect with friends, make new ones, and enjoy what you love most — sailing your Optimist. Sail fast. Sail safe. Sail fair,” said Sigrid Beckmann, IODA Vice President for the Americas.

William Keilty of Canada was crowned the 2026 Optimist North American Champion, finishing first overall with 12 net points. Ines Mendez-Larminaux of Puerto Rico was the Female North American Champion, finishing third overall and as the top female sailor.

The Top 10 overall results were:

1. William Keilty — Canada — 12 net points
2. Briggs Kossmann — USA — 20 net points
3. Ines Mendez-Larminaux — Puerto Rico — 52 net points
4. Jaiden Strickon — USA — 67 net points
5. Walton Macpherson — USA — 69 net points
6. Finn Hodgins — US Virgin Islands — 97 net points
7. Lap Yan Nathaniel Cheung — USA — 97 net points
8. Maxime McCulloch — USA — 100 net points
9. Audrey Roachell — USA — 101 net points
10. Otis Cardow — Mexico — 105 net points

The championship also included exciting team racing, with Team Canada 1 winning the 2026 Optimist North American Team Race Championship. Team Argentina 1 won the 2026 Optimist North American Nations Cup.

Halifax Harbour provided a spectacular setting for the championship, offering challenging race conditions and a warm welcome from the local sailing community. The event also highlighted the important role of volunteers, officials, coaches, team leaders, families, and supporters in creating a meaningful international experience for young sailors.

The 2026 Optimist North American Championship reflected the values of the Optimist Class: fair competition, friendship, learning, and respect on and off the water. For many sailors, this championship represents an important step in their sailing journey and a lasting connection with friends from across the world.

The Optimist North American Championship was the first of six IODA events scheduled for 2026. The international Optimist season now turns to the 2026 Optimist World Championship, which will be held next month in Tangier, Morocco, before concluding in Sri Lanka in December.

Race results are available at:
https://2026northamericans.optiworld.org/en/default/races/race-resultsall

ENDS

About the Optimist Class
The Optimist is one of the world’s most popular youth sailing classes and has introduced generations of young sailors to the sport. The class promotes skill development, fair sailing, international friendship, and lifelong participation in sailing.