Seabrook, TX: Lakewood Yacht Club (LYC) will host the top youth sailors from around the country April 21-51, 2021, for the 2021 Optimist Team Trials.
This regatta is the premier event for Optimist sailors in the USA who will compete for prized positions on teams going to the Optimist World Championship, European Championship, and other highly competitive international spots.
While this same event was canceled for 2020, planning for 2021 combines the same high level of competition with COVID-19 safety protocols. "Lakewood is ready again to host this event safely for both competitors and our volunteer organizers," says Race Chair and LYC Member Marie Wise. "It's certainly an honor for Lakewood to host a regatta at this level where the stakes are high for so many youth sailors."
Racing will take place on Galveston Bay April 22-25, but many of the competitors will converge at Lakewood for early training. The Optimist dinghy is one of the most popular youth sailboats in the world, and the sailors, who range in age from 10 to 15, learn high-level racing skills as well as the important, intangible life lessons that come from dedication to any sport.
"Our own Optimist sailors are ready to race," says LYC Racing and Head Optimist Coach Bernat Galí Bou. "Four days of intense racing is a challenge, and sailing at this level requires mental training as well as endurance. We can't wait!"
Local hotels and attractions can expect 200 or more families in the area for the full week. Seabrook and the surrounding communities have much to offer for accommodations, dining and diversions. Highlights for out-of-town guests include touring Space Center Houston, amusements at the Kemah Boardwalk, strolling the walking trails in Seabrook, touring Armand Bayou by pontoon boat, or visiting the San Jacinto Monument and Battleship Texas.
