Skippers roll their optis into Store Bay, Tobago for the start of Day 2 racing. Dean Barnes Photo

Junior sailors launched their Optimists dinghies into Store Bay today under cloudy skies and light winds blowing 5 to 8 knots. Rolling clouds throughout the morning made for shifts that zigzagged out of opposite compass settings as chaotically as the twists and turns on Tobago roadways. Race one got off without a hitch, yet 17 sailors were black-flagged at the start of the second race. Winds built to 15 to 18 knots before a squall that hit about 2 p.m. during the third race. Then, the winds died and the race committee was unable to get off a 4th race for the day.

After this second day of racing, Peru’s Alexander Zimmermann has kept his overall fleet lead. Zimmerman comes to this event having placed 2nd at the 2005 Optimist South American Championships in March.

Caribbean sailors had an excellent showing today.

Trinidad’s Matthew Scott finished first in his 91-boat division in the second race of the day.

In the day’s last race, Puerto Rico’s Ivan Aponte scored a second place in his division of 92-boats.

Argentinian Skipper, Jose Manuel Arigos's opti appears to disappear in the waves as he moves to the number 2 position on Day 1. Dean Barnes Photo.

Also in this race, Christiane Dash from Barbados placed 9th in her 92-boat division. Dash is one of four girls representing Barbados. “We’ve had more boys, but they’ve aged and grown out,” said Dale Douglas, whose daughter Sarah is competing. “Now it’s the girl’s turn.”

In the last race too, Curacao’s Philipine van Aanholt and Ard van Aanholt placed 11th and 12th out of 92 in their division.

Jamal Ollivierre from Bequia is one of four sailors representing his country for the first time in a junior sailing event of this caliber. “We usually sail with 8 Optimists. This is a much bigger event. It’s new for us,” says Ollivierre. “It’s hard, but it’s fun out there.”

Team racing takes place tomorrow. Teams represent Peru, Bermuda, the USA and Trinidad & Tobago.

Racing resumes Friday after Thursday’s Lay-Day, when several of the teams will take off and explore the beaches, waterfalls and hiking trails of Tobago.

Parents of a Brazilian Racer tour one of Tobago's beautiful hidden beaches. Dean Barnes Photo

Results are found at: www.optinam2005.com

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