This year’s Opti Worlds was held in the picturesque and mountains Riva del Garda, Italy from 16-26 July. The 51st World Optimist Championships was organised this year by Fraglia Vela Riva in collaboration with IODA  (the International Optimist Class).

Registrations closed with a final total of 254 competitors from a record 58 countries and 5 continents this possibly being one of the World Championships with the most nations participating.

The British Virgin Islands were represented by the Royal BVI Yacht Club’s Jason Putley (15 years) and Thad Lettsome (11 years) who both qualified for the event at the flagship BVI Dinghy Championship held earlier this year. Whilst the World Optimist Championship is not the biggest Opti event, it is by far the most prestigious as only the top 5 qualifier of a country is allowed to attend.
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