2024 NYS Opti Champs

Written by Shannon Kelly

This past weekend, on October 26 and 27, The WaterFront Center hosted the New York State Optimist Championship for the 2024 season, with 50 boats competing for a chance to win!

On day one, Saturday, October 26th, sailors launched 50 boats from Beekman Beach next to The WaterFront Center for the NYS Opti Champs. The weather remained warm, with winds blowing between 15-25 knots throughout the day. The participants completed four races, and Wills Gandy clinched victory in all of them, earning the title of this year's Opti Champion! Racing wrapped up early, followed by pizza for everyone!

The second day brought cooler weather but lighter winds, with a breeze blowing at 5-10 knots from the NNW. On day two, George Alexopoulos dominated by winning all the races and secured the Overall Regatta Trophy.

Congratulations to our winners!

Overall - George Alexopoulos

2024 NYS Optimist Champion - Wills Gandy

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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