The KPMG Winter Youth Sailing Championship, held at the Nassau Yacht Club, was a resounding success, drawing over 40 sailors competing across various fleets. Notably, it served as a crucial qualifier for the 2024 Optimist North American Championship and 2024 Optimist World Championship, promising stiff competition.
Winners emerged across different categories, with Finley Mckinney-Lambert triumphing in the Optis Championship fleet, Joshua Weech in ILCA 6, Sienna Jones in ILCA 4, Tanaj Manos in Sunfish, and Christian Wells in Optis green fleet. Notably, the Bahamas National Sailing School (BNSS) showcased exceptional talent, with consistent top performances from sailors like Joshua Weech, Norman Cartwright, and Craig Ferguson.
The closely contested races saw Weech narrowly clinching first place in the ILCA 6 fleet, closely followed by Cartwright and Ferguson. Eliza Denning excelled as the top female performer in the Laser class. The event’s significance was underscored by the fierce competition among ILCA fleet sailors, all aiming for qualification to the 2024 Youth Sailing World Championships in Lake Garda, Italy.
McKinney-Lambert’s victory in the Optis championship fleet underscored his prowess, while Mary Jac Nash shone as the top female sailor. In the Sunfish class, Manos dominated, followed closely by Kahden Knowles and Tyler Russell. Christian Wells led the Optis beginner fleet, demonstrating promising talent.
Coach Paul de Souza expressed satisfaction with the event’s success, praising the competitive spirit among BNSS sailors. Looking ahead, the National Junior Sailing Regatta in Exuma promises to be another exciting event for the sport in The Bahamas. Overall, the KPMG Winter Youth Sailing Championship showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship, setting a high standard for future competitions. Congratulations to all the participants and winners for their outstanding performances and dedication to sailing excellence.
