Over the week of 4/21 - 4/29 our Opti Race Team, under the guidance of Head Coach Jack Barton, headed to Key Biscane YC, FL for the USODA Team Trials. The " Team Trials" is the premiere Opti event in the United States. Two hundred and twenty sailors from around the country must qualify to participate. Up for grabs is the honor of representing the United States on the US National Optimist Team at various international regattas!
Team SB arrived Saturday 4/21, settling in to housing and picking up charter boats. The first three days were dedicated practice. Working on venue specific boat set up, speed, and learning the local tactics. Wednesday 4/25 was slated as a lay day. Sailors spent the day at the beach and relaxing.
Racing began on Thursday 4/26 and persisted for the remaining four days. Our sailors did a great job with five of our team members qualifying for Gold Fleet!
We are extending a huge congratulations to Team SB sailor Ryan Satterberg for finishing 2nd overall and qualifying to represent the USA at the Optimist World Championship! Other standout performances were: Blake Behrens (25th/220), Jon Seawards (43rd/220), Oliver Stokke (46th/220), Aston Smith (69th/220)!