Opti Nationals to take place on Sandusky Bay July 22 - 29

SANDUSKY, Ohio, Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandusky Sailing Club is pleased to announce that it has been selected to host the 2012 United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) National Championship regatta.  The event, scheduled for July 22 – 29, will include hundreds of young sailors from all over North America.

"Junior sailing has always been an important part of the mission of Sandusky Sailing Club," said SSC Commodore John Hartung.  "This will be one of the biggest events in the 80-year history of our club, and our membership is excited to welcome Opti sailors from all over the country.  Our race management committee is dedicated to making this a safe, fun regatta that these young sailors and their families will remember forever."

The Optimist dinghy is a small, sprit-rigged sailboat designed to be sailed singlehandedly by children. Competitors at Opti regattas are divided into different fleets,  allowing participation of sailors as young as 7 or 8 at the same events as competitors as old as 15. The 2012 Opti Nationals will feature a three-day Team Racing event and a one-day Girls Championship, followed by the four-day Open Championship.

"The Opti Class could not ask for a better place to host this year's Nationals," stated Emma Kovacs , Executive Director of the USODA. "We selected SSC for the regatta because of their demonstrated history of successfully hosting youth regattas, their great volunteer base and broad base of support by the local community.  Plus the venue offers protected waters that are ideal for both high level competitors and the beginner in the Green fleet."

The Sandusky area's many attractions including Cedar Point, one of the world's premier amusement parks, promise to add to the sailing experience and make the 2012 Opti Nationals an outstanding destination for both competitors and their families. For more information regarding Sandusky, Ohio and its accommodations and attractions, visit http://www.shoresandislands.com.

"Our club is honored to have been chosen by the USODA to host this year's event," concluded Commodore Hartung.  "Many of the world's greatest sailors started honing their racing skills in the Optimist Dinghy, and it's exciting to think that some of the future 'greats' might be on Sandusky Bay this July."

Related Links:

Nationals Home Page:  http://www.optinationals2012.com
USODA website:  http://www.usoda.org
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/2012-Usoda-Nationals-Championships/163500547089211
Twitter: @OptiNatls2012

SOURCE Sandusky Sailing Club

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.sanduskysailingclub.org