The Puerto Rico Optimist Association (PROA) and the Club Náutico de SanJuan (CNSJ) are proud and honor to have joint efforts and hosted the 2024 IODA North American Championship in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Puerto RicoOptimist Association (PROA) brings together sailors from Puerto Rico who practice the sport of sailing in the Optimist Class, boys and girls ranging from 9 to 15 years of age. PROA is committed to empower and promote inclusion, diversity and gender equality in youth sailing while also promoting Development Sailing by aiming for opportunities for young sailors island wide. The Club Naútico de San Juan has a Sailing Academy and is a strong partner of PROA and the Puerto Rico Sailing Federation with excellent educational projects that support sailing in Puerto Rico and in the Caribbean.
During the 2024 IODA North American Championship in Puerto Rico we had the honor of hosting 180 sailors from all over the world (16 nations) where they sailed in the Atlantic Ocean in front of one of the most emblematic fortifications in the entire Caribbean Region built by the Spaniards: CastilloSan Felipe de El Morro. The construction of this fortress began in 1539. Sailors and race officers were blessed with excellent sailing conditions for all ages.
With normal Trade Winds, northeast-southeast, wind speed ranging from 10kts up to20kts, some scattered showers and up to 5ft swells, race officers were able to complete 10 races enough to test sailor’s skills in amazing surfing conditions.
The OptiNAMS2024 would not have been possible without our sponsors and committed volunteers (parents/mothers/relatives and friends from the Sailing Community of Puerto Rico). More than 70 volunteers from all over the island dedicated time and effort on a daily basis to offer our guests a special, friendly and cordial service throughout the event.
Finally, we would like to thank all the delegations for visiting Puerto Rico and to congratulate all the saiors who competed with passion, courage and enthusiasm for the whole week. We truly hope that you had a pleasant experience and that you enjoyed your time sailing in San Juan, Puerto Rico to the fullest.
PROA is looking forward to hosting future IODA events soon. Saludos
Pablo A. Méndez-Lázaro President
Puerto Rico Optimist Association
