Camaraderie and Corinthian Spirit

It began as an idea to bring together six yacht club teams from across North America for a team racing event at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Presented by the South Carolina Yacht Club, and with the help of Zim Sailing and the Westin Hilton Head Resort and Spa, the concept of OPTI was born.

The Optimist Pram Team Invitational (OPTI) was a team racing regatta that matched sailing skill and abilities rather than who had the best equipment or newest sail cut. This event, unlike traditional 4 person Opti team racing, was 3 versus 3 which is a more synonymous team race format used across the world. Modeled after the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, this regatta pit yacht club against yacht club with all members of the team being club members.

Not normally known for its Optimist sailing events, but more for its vast beaches and harbors for snow bird yachtsman, the racing was held on the Inter Coastal Waterway just feet from the entrance to Windmill Harbour. Zim Sailing donated 18 new and equal Zim ZForce Optimists and custom team race sails. South Carolina Yacht Club was joined by Fishing Bay Yacht Club (VA), Chicago Yacht Club (IL), Florida Yacht Club (FL), Royal Canadian Yacht Club (Ontario), and Edgewater Yacht Club (OH).

Teams just had to get there, as the Westin Resort and Spa provided complementary rooms for the sailors and their families. During the races, parents spent time following football scores and catching up with the other Opti parents. The essence of camaraderie and the Corinthian spirit was on display through the weekend, fulfilling a vision of a true one design regatta where competitors could compete for their yacht club pride, and do so without breaking the bank.

Facebook – Scoreboard

Congratulations to Fishing Bay Yacht Club for winning the inaugural OPTI.

Saturday dinner.