Kevin Velasquez, 14, who trains at San Pedro’s Belize Sailing School, tacked and trimmed his boat to finish 7th over all, out of 127 other international competitors in Canada’s Olympic Regattas, Kingston (CORK) 2016 International Optimist Regatta. Sailors from the USA and Bermuda were the only ones who topped him.
Kevin’s Belize Sailing School team-mate, Caroline Sersland, who just turned 12, made her last race-day here her best and finished 10th in her fleet. Both Velasquez and Sersland were top finishers at the National Optimistic Championship Regatta that was held last year in Corozal Town. Due to their top performances they were ideal candidates for the 2016 Canadian Regatta which the San Pedro Belize Sailing Club facilitated their participation.
The two young sailors from Belize endured high winds and waves but showed courage and did not drop out of the competition like other participants. According to Forrest Jones, International Events Coordinator for the San Pedro Sailing Club, finishing in the top 20’s in regattas of this calibre demonstrates high ability and achievement. The club is very proud of their young sailors.
