FBYC Kids on the International Stage!

Mark Hayes on Tuesday June 9, 2015 11:12PM

FBYC RACE TEAM MEMBERS SHINE AT UNITED STATES TEAM TRIALS!

Benton Amthor, Nathan Smith and Ian Street on the front row; and Boyd Bragg in the middle of the back row, at the 2015 Team Trials in Miami

Incredibly, four FBYC Opti Race Team Members have qualified to compete on teams representing the United States in international competitions this year!

Because of their top finishes at United States Optimist Dinghy Association events in 2014, they first received invitations to the Team Trials, which were held in April in Miami. Based on their excellent performances at that qualifying event, all four earned spots on teams representing the United States!

Nathan Smith will represent the United States at the British Opti Nationals in late July in Great Britain. Nathan is no stranger to international competition. He has dual citizenship with the Netherlands Antilles, and will represent that island nation in the 2015 Worlds.

Ian Street was chosen to represent the United States in the Topsport Vlaanderen Regatta in Flanders, Belgium, in early August. This is one of the largest regattas in Europe.

Boyd at Team Trials in Miami

Both Boyd Bragg and Benton Amthor earned invitations to international teams representing the United States, but decided to stay home this summer to concentrate on the CBYRA High Points. All four FBYC sailors also will train on the United States Developmental Team. This team consists of the top Opti sailors in the United States. The team practices at different clubs located across the country through the year. Both Boyd and Benton were on the team last year.

Although Nathan and Ian will miss some CBYRA events due to their international regattas, all four are racing with our Opti Race Team this summer. All four placed high in the CBYRA points in 2014, with Benton and Boyd finishing first and second.

Benton at Junior Week 2007

Boyd, Benton and Ian began sailing at Opti Kids and Junior Week when they were 6 and 7 years old (the upcoming Junior Week will be Benton's 9th!), and all sailed on the Opti Development Team as beginning racers. The first USODA regatta they attended was the 2010 National Championship hosted by FBYC, sailing in the Green and White Fleets. Nathan’s family joined when they moved to the US in 2014, and he will attend his second Junior Week this summer.

Benton washing Club Optis last Saturday for Junior Week 2015!

We are proud of them! 

Tags: juniorraceteam

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