Business View Caribbean | July 2019

5 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN JULY 2019 OPENING L INES English Harbour area during its traditional slow season. Karl James, the event co-chair for race management, said he was delighted the championship had attracted a record 65 participating countries. He also praised the young national sailors who took part in several qualifying events, both at home and abroad, before being selected for the team. Yacht Club commodore and local sailing legend, Franklyn Braithwaite, paid tribute to the efforts of all who had helped put Antigua and Barbuda on the map as a prime sailing destination over the decades. He told the young sportsmen and women that the key to success was more than just being a good sailor. “Even more importantly, you must be a good ambassador,” he said. Meanwhile, Nelson’s Dockyard, where the championship will take place, is abuzz with action and excitement. Many of the teams have already arrived and children have been out testing the waters ahead of the races which are widely seen as a pathway to the Olympics. The 2019 Optimist World Championship is being staged in Antigua and Barbuda for the first time in its history from July 6 -16. It is only the second time it has been held in the Caribbean after Dominican Republic hosted it in 2012.