2023 NYS Optimist Championship Review

Written By Shannon Kelly

Sunday, October 22, The WaterFront Center hosted New York State’s 2023 Optimist Championship.

Sunday brought heavy wind averaging 15 - 20 knots out of the northwest. With thick clouds covering the bright blue sky above, each child knew this championship day would test them as an optimist sailor.

The WaterFront Center’s Executive Director and PRO of the race, George Ellis, gathered the sailors around 10:30 a.m. for a skipper meeting about the day and course to sail. They would be racing a trapezoid course.

At 11:30 a.m., the Optis took to the water, sailing out to Oyster Bay Harbor to start the regatta. Each kid tightened their main sheet and grabbed their bailer; as they sailed into the choppy water, they were all bundled in their best spray gear!

After completing five races (children could drop a race from scores), the sailors returned to The WaterFront Center for the awards ceremony and refreshments!

Thank you to everyone who made the day successful, and congratulations to our 2023 New York State Opti Championship winner, Wills Gandy!

Check out photos from the day below!

Congratulations To The 2023 New York State Optimist Championship Winner: Wills Gandy

Awards presented by: JH Custom Engraving/ Etching ( Water Bottles), Artcut Creations (Wooden plaque), & String it Up (bags)

Check out the photos!

Shannon Kelly

Shannon grew up in Oyster Bay and received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing from Binghamton University in 2019. She has been working for The Waterfront Center for 6 years in various positions from Educator to Communications Coordinator. During her time at The WaterFront Center, she has taught over 500 children of all ages from various school around Long Island and New York City about marine, environmental, and biological sciences. When she was younger she loved going sailing with her father and has continued her education in sailing here with us at The Waterfront Center. Her passions include reading, writing, filming, being on the water, and rugby.

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