Store Bay, Tobago, launch site for Optimist North Americans. Dean Barnes Photo

Pomp and ceremony met with calypso and island irie when 185 junior sailors from 18 nations proudly paraded in front of beautiful Store Bay in the opening ceremony of the Optimist North American Championships, sailed for the first time in a Caribbean venue out of Trinidad's sister island of Tobago.

"This moment has fulfilled a three-year dream," said David Lewis, president of the Trinidad & Tobago Optimist Dinghy Association. "Our islands history and heritage had been founded on those who arrived by sea. Today, this event puts us on the road towards fulfilling a vision where the children of these islands see sailing as an alternative sport and recreation for the future."

Partly cloudy skies, calm seas and winds blowing 10 to 15 knots with a steady stream of puffs set the scene for the event's kick-off practice race today, Sunday June 25. The fleet sailed about a mile north of Store Bay beach, located just west of the island's famous and picturesque Pigeon Point.

Teams measure prepare their boats for competition. Dean Barnes Photo

Notable sailors to watch include Bermuda's Elijah Simmons, defending champion and first overall at the 2004 Optimist North Americans and Trinidad's Matthew Scott, who placed 7th in the 2004 Optimist Worlds.

Other hot sailors include Mexico's Jose Diego Reyes and Peru's Alexander Zimmerman, who placed first and second, respectively, at the 2005 Optimist South American Championships.

Teams making a debut at this championship include those from St. Vincent and Tobago.

Racing kick's off Monday June 26 and continues Tuesday June 27. Team racing takes place Wednesday June 28, with competition from Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA and Bermuda. Racing continues Friday June 29 and concludes Saturday June 30 with an Awards Ceremony.

Results are at: www.optinam2005.com

Trinidad & Tobago team leads off parade of competitors at opening ceremony. Dean Barnes Photo.

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