Antigua and Barbuda have again been chosen as the venue for world class sailing and from July 2-9, 2023, will host the 2023 North American Optimist Championships (OptiNams). The event will take place under the governing authority of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA), in partnership with the Antigua Yacht Club and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. This event will bring young sailors (and their support teams) from more than 20 countries to the islands for a week of dramatic racing and competition.
The North American Championship is one of seven international championships held annually, and an important goal for sailors wanting to compete at the annual World Championships. Antigua has been the venue for this event twice previously and in 2019 was the home of the Optimist World Championships, setting records with 65 nations in attendance.
“We are delighted to be hosting the IODA OptiNams again in July 2023,” says Karl James, MBE, two-time Olympian, President of the Antigua & Barbuda Sailing Association, and sailing manager at the Antigua Yacht Club. “It is not only a fantastic opportunity for our young sailors to compete in home waters, but also a chance for Antigua to show off our island and the spectacular sailing it can offer.”
