Luke Arnone crowned Optimist US National Champion

Published on July 26th, 2015

Pensacola, FL (July 26, 2015) – The four-day Optimist US National Championship concluded today, with Luke Arnone (Bay Head, NJ) narrowly edging out Emma Cowles (Larchmont, NY) for the title. Arnone had won the Qualifying Round on Saturday, in which he led the top 93 sailors into the five-race Gold Division of the Medal Round today. Arnone beat Cowles by one point, with Justin Callahan (Cape Coral, FL) finishing third.

The top ten had a twin theme with Emma Cowles’ sister Carmen Cowles finishing sixth while Justin Callahan’s brother Mitchell Callahan finished fifth.

Two special prizes were awarded — The Ewell C. Potts Memorial Friendship Trophy went to Anika Boicheff of St Petersburg, FL and the New York Yacht Club Sportsmanship Award went to Chris Capiola of Naples, FL.

Event website – Results

Report by Talbot Wilson.

Background: The USODA Team Race National Championship had 26 teams racing on July 19-21, which was followed by the 81-boat USODA Girls National Championship on Wednesday (July 22). The finale had the boys and girls racing in the 278-boat USODA National Championship on July 23-26.