Worlds Team USA Wins 2018 International Optimist Team Race Regatta

Thursday, June 14 2018,   St. Thomas, USVI   — Coached by Pilo Rocha, the 2018 USODA Worlds Team of Stephan Baker, Peter Foley, Ryan Satterberg, Thommie Grit, and Tommy Sitzmann just topped 12 other teams and won the Team Race portion of the International Optimist Regatta, held in St. Thomas, USVI. International Optimist team race regattas are 4-on-4 events (whereas high school & college team racing is 3-on-3). The course is usually a “digital-N” (see diagram) and this regatta was the first chance for the US World team to work together. With 5 sailors, they have the ability to try different combinations, and all 5 Team USA sailors sailed in this event  to help secure the win.

The TOTE Maritime International Optimist Regatta Team Race in St. Thomas, USVI was comprised of thirteen teams of five sailors. As the wind picked up to 8-12 knots the weather became perfect for team racing, which was aided by flat water in making it a great day. In a close race, the 2018 IOR Team Race Championship Title came down to a best of three races between two USA teams-USA World Team (Stephan Baker, Peter Foley, Thommie Grit, Ryan Satterberg and Tommy Sitzmann) and Team Invisacrox (Nico Garcia-Castrillon, Spencer Dominguez, Kevin Gosselin, Truman Rogers, Kurt Stuebe). The USA World Team clinched the title, giving the United States wins for three consecutive years. “The team worked well together with good communication during each leg of the races. This is the first time these sailors raced as a team.“ USA World’s Coach, Pilo Rocha of Lauderdale YC said, “I was pleased with their performance and I look forward to working with them as they train for The 2018 World Optimist Championship in Limassol, Cyprus.”

Conditions so far in St. Thomas have been outstanding, and the fleet racing portion of the event is set to begin Friday, June 15. For updates check our the IOR Facebook page! Photos by Mattias Cappizzano; Please check out Capizzano photos for some outstanding shots!
1st Place:   USA World 1
2nd Place:  Invisicrox
3rd Place:   ISV1

Matias Capizzano photos