Welcome Message from IODA President Kevin Whitcraft

On behalf of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) we’re delighted to have the Fraglia Vela Riva with the Associazione Italiana Classe Optimist host the 2021 Optimist World Championship.

Lake Garda is a most wonderful sailing venue with consistent winds. As a focus location for the best of world class sailing to have young Optimist sailors being able to race in Lake Garda at a World level event is a great steppingstone toward their future in sailing.

It has been a long two years since the last IODA Optimist Worlds. Sailors are resourceful and resilient as are our organizers in continuing with the commitment to host the 2021 Optimist Worlds after a one-year delay.

Wishing all participants in this event a successful and safe week – do your utmost to keep Covid 19 “free”.

Kevin Whitcraft

President, IODA , Varunian and past commodore of The Royal Varuna Yacht Club.