Sailors, coaches, relatives and supporters, together with the regatta authorities, paraded through the harbor to the gardens of the Yacht Club Punta del Este main building for the start of the IODA South American Championship comprises three ‘championships’… The OPTIMIST INDIVIDUAL SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP (ISAM), The OPTIMIST TEAM RACING SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP (TRSAM) and The OPTIMIST NATIONS CUP (NC).
The flags and uniforms of 158 sailors and 42 officials representing 15 countries added a touch of color to the grey cloudy evening.
The ceremony was hosted by the president of the local NODA (AUDO) and Chairman of the event Mr Aldo Centanaro, and by Mr Dario Rial, vice president of AUDO. Adding to their speeches and on behalf of the organizing committee and local sailing community, one sailor from Uruguay welcomed the visiting countries; and two other sailors advocated for fair play and clean waters.
