Squadron’s Keilty Claims Optimist National Championships in Vancouver

September 6, 2023

William Keilty secured his second consecutive victory at the Optimist National Championships held in Vancouver, BC on August 19-26. A formidable team of 13 Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron sailors descended upon West Vancouver for the event along with 82 Sailors under the age of 15 from across Canada, ready to face challenging winds and unfamiliar currents.

Throughout the competition, the team demonstrated an exceptional performance, with an impressive eight of the top ten finishes by RNSYS sailors. Notably, Halifax’s Frieda Smith, the top female contender finished with a commendable sixth place.

 

 

SinC Opti Championships 2 400Left to right : William Keilty (RNSYS), Hayden Killman (RNSYS), Kai Ramsey (Royal Vancouver Yacht Club), Simon Thompson (RNSYS) and Jacob Tu (RNSYS)

With just six qualifying races and one race in the final series, the competition proved to be demanding for all participants. A deep appreciation goes to Head Optimist Coach Maru Ferrario, along with the entire team of Optimist coaches who played a pivotal role in preparing these talented sailors for this prestigious event. Special recognition also goes to Spencer Dalzell, Noah Adler and Elsie Gillis for their outstanding contributions.

Adle, a former two-time Optimist National Champion In his own right worked alongside his former coach Maru Ferrario at the event for RNSYS.

The Optimist National Championships is an annual sailing competition that attracts top young sailors from across the country. Participants showcase their sailing skills in challenging conditions and compete for the prestigious title of National Champion. The event serves as a platform for nurturing young talent and promoting the sport of sailing among youth.

Looking ahead, the stage is set for next year’s Nationals, which are scheduled to take place in Hudson, Quebec. It is anticipated to be another thrilling showcase of sailing prowess as these young athletes continue to shine.

Left: Frieda Smith – Top Female Award

Right: Willliam Keilty accepting his title and Top Male Trophy

SinC Opti Championships Frieda Smith 400SinC Opti Championships William Keilty 400

Ryan Simms: Overall Sportsmanship Award

SinC Opti Championships Ryan Simms 400

Related Articles

Video Gallery

Boston Whaler 350 Realm

By Andy Adams

You might be dreaming of an adventure boat, or a luxury cruiser, or maybe a serious fishing platform. You might dream of an overnight exploration boat, or a boat that entertains a big group of friends or family. Whatever your ambitions, the features and appointments, and the stellar performance of the Boston Whaler 350 Realm, equipped with triple Mercury Verado V10-cylinder 425 horsepower engines, feels like it could do just about anything. It’s the Great Entertainer.

Read More

Destinations

The Whitsunday Islands

By Mathew Channer

On my first day as a commercially registered yacht captain, I sailed a Fontaine Pajot 38 catamaran from mainland Australia across the Whitsunday Passage to the western shores of the world-famous Whitsunday islands.

We cruised northeast on a 15-knot beam reach… perfect catamaran sailing conditions, watching the hazy shapes of the islands colourize and morph into crescent beaches, jungled ridgelines and rocky outcrops. 

Read More

Lifestyle