Some Amazing International Events you May Attend

Annual Garda Lake Regatta (Italy): the Largest in the World
There is a variety of international events organized for the Optimist class.  It's always possible to find a challenging event for your kid.  There are international events organized in Canada, such as the CORK regatta in Kingston.

There are also top quality events in the U.S. such as the New England championships or Orange Bowl in Miami.  The Canadian championships typically attracts quality international sailors, so it can be considered as an international event too.

Unfortunately, the international dimension of Optimist sailing leads to substantial costs -- international travel, accommodation, boat charter, uniforms, coaching, registration fees, etc.). So make sure to plan well, especially if you attend several events, as money IS an issue for most parents. 

For most sailors, attending quality regattas in Canada and in the US is already amazingly challenging.  Yet, it's possible to go beyond that. And if you go beyond that, there are events of high quality, but significantly cheaper than others - so again, you need to do good planning and budgeting to make it happen.

Here are some of the key events that you may consider attending.

Canada

CORK International Optimist Regatta - typically around the 2nd week of August -- see http://cork.org

Canadian championships - held in various locations, typically at the end of August -- see the site of the CODA for details -- http://optican.org 

(see also this article stressing the date conflicts between the two events in 2018)

USA

New England Championships (again, in 2018, not sure this event will be organized)

Orange Bowl - Miami (Xmas period) - http://www.coralreefyachtclub.org

US National Champs (in 2018, Pensacola, Florida, in July)
(see other events: http://usoda.org )

North America

IODA North American Championships (Puerto Vallarta in 2018 - this requires selection through CODA)

International WesMex Regatta, held at Vallarta Yacht Club, in Puerto Vallarta. In 2018, it will be on 1-4 March. http://www.wesmexregatta.org  This is expected to be a growing event,

Europe

Palamos Optimist Trophy. A big regatta organized in Palamos, Spain. In 2018, it is to be held Feb 14-18. 550 entries !! http://www.palamosoptimisttrophy.org/

Garda Lake Meeting (typically in April - the largest Opti regatta in the world) --  Very affordable registration fee. Charter boats available. Many kids see it as a truly unique experience. http://www.fragliavelariva.it/en

Niewpoort Week - a big regatta in the Belgian North Sea - learn to sail in significant tidal current - waves can be big if the breeze is up - possibility to camp on site. Very affordable registration fee.  Charter boats are available. http://www.nieuwpoortweek.be

Coupe Internationale d'Été - France. This event attracts typically some 500 sailors!! According to the organizers, it's more than a regatta - as there is a "festive" ambiance  -- There are typical races but also a long distance one. In 2018, it's expected to take place in beautiful Carcans Maubuisson (West Coast of France, not far from Bordeau) -- Dates: 14 to 20 July -  (Cercle de la Voile de Bordeaux). Charter boats are available.  Information will be made available on the site of the French Opti organization: https://www.facebook.com/promotion.optimist/

IODA European Championships (locations vary, in the NL in 2018 - selection is implemented by CODA)

South America

IODA South American Championships (locations vary). Selection via CODA

Worlds

IODA World Championships (locations vary) - selection via CODA

You may check the IODA website for details on the international events they organize. -- http://www.optiworld.org

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