Over 700 young sailors have already registered for the 22nd edition of the International Optimist Class Meeting at Riva del Garda in Italy. The much awaited event is being hosted by the Fraglia Vela Riva from April 8-11 and the the local yacht club is expecting the number of entries to grow in the next few days, probably reaching a peak of 750-800. More than 20 nations will be represented.

The annual event has a strong following and has become quite a popular destination for the sailors, coaches and families over the Easter holidays. Nearly all the waterfront between Riva del Garda and Torbole will be utilised for storing and launching the many boats. The event will start off with race one on Thursday, 8 April. In the evening, the old town of Riva will host a parade of all the competitors, followed by the official opening ceremony.

The sailors will de divided in two categories:

Division A: born in the years 1994-1995. This fleet will sail seven races.

Division B: born in 1989-90-91-92-93. This fleet will be divided into six groups which will start in three fleets with a round-robin system. Ten races will be sailed.

The event will run with the following schedule:

April 8, 8.00-10.00am, registration

1.00pm warning signal first race

6.00pm opening ceremony

April 9-10-11: races

April 11, 4.00pm, raffle, official prizegiving and closing ceremony