Optis come out of the water at the end of the North American Championships at Store Bay, Tobago - Dean Barnes Photo

Sailing fast isn't the only reason why Peru’s Alexander Zimmerman won the 2005 Optimist North American Championships, sailed out of the island of Tobago, June 26 to July 2. The other half of the equation was sailing smart. The secret to 14-year-old Zimmerman’s success, he says, is “concentration.”

Light winds and a pumping two to three foot swell set conditions for this last day of racing. The race committee tried to run two races, but abandoned the first race due to a huge shift. Thus, only once race was sailed for the day

In addition to placing first overall in fleet, Peru’s Zimmerman also won a trophy for Best Placed Competitor from a Non-North American Country.

The USA picked up a duo of prizes. Anne Haeger scored Best Placed North American Female as well as Best Placed Female. Fellow countryman Colin Smith won Best Placed North American Competitor and Best North American Male.

USA's Anne Haeger, Best Placed North American Female and Best Placed Female - Dean Barnes Photo

Trinidad’s Anthony Alkins rated as the Best Placed Competitor from a Caribbean Country.

Brazil’s Carlo Mazzaferro ended as Best Placed Sailor under the age of 12.

For full results, see www.optinam2005.com

Trinidad’s Anthony Alkins, Best Placed Competitor from a Caribbean Country - Dean Barnes Photo

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