Optimist Class ready for Worlds 2.0

After the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) was forced to cancel the 2020 Optimist World Championship during the COVID-19 pandemic, the IODA returns to the same venue to try again this year on July 2-9 in Riva del Garda, Italy.

The event returns to Riva del Garda eight years after the last edition, when in 2013 it was Singapore-born sailor Loh Jia Yi to be crowned World Champion, excelling over a fleet of 259 competitors. In 2021, almost three hundred competitors representing 56 nations will vie for the title on Lake Garda held for the last three editions by the record holder of the Optimist Class, Marco Gradoni.

“Two long years have passed since the last Optimist World Championship: the sailors are resourceful and resilient, as are our organizers in carrying out their commitment to host the 2021 Optimist World Championship one year late,” said IODA President Kevin Whitcraft. I wish all participants in the event a successful and healthy week. Do your best to keep yourself COVID-free.”

With a maximum of five athletes for each nation, racing will kick off on July 2 with three consecutive days of qualifying that will allow the fleet to be divided into Gold, Silver, Bronze and Emerald groups for the final stages, scheduled for July 7-9. On July 5-6, the participants will compete within their nation for the Team World Championship.

Event details – Entry list – Facebook