San Pedro sailors continue to make their mark at the Optimist National Championship Regatta (BIZ15) and this year, it was San Pedro Sailing Club's (SPR) Kevin Velasquez who took the coveted championship at the BIZ15. The highly anticipated annual regatta was held in Corozal Town on the weekend of November 14th and 15th. Top three places in the BIZ15 went to Kevin Velasquez of SPR taking first place, Caroline Sersland also of SPR taking second place and Trent Hardwick of Belize Sea Scouts taking third place. Velasquez was also awarded the Sailor of the Year award for his consistency and dedication throughout the year.

17 sailors from sailing clubs such as SPR, Corozal Bay Sailing Club (CBSC), Belize Sea Scouts (BSC) and Placencia Sailing Club (PSC) took to the waters of Corozal Bay in hopes of finishing up the 2015 sailing season by taking the grand prize. These young sailors earned their spots in the nationals after ranking highly in any of the five National Ranking regattas held throughout the year. Representing La Isla Bonita and SPR were Kevin Velasquez, Blanca Velasquez, Caroline Sersland, Mitch Sersland, Nicholas Lausen and Alexandra Lausen.

At the end of the regatta, the points were tallied and winners were announced immediately after. Handing out the awards were Commodores Gerard Cordt and Belize Sailing Association Chairlady, Sharon Hardwick. Not only did 14-year-old Kevin Velasquez take the first place prize for BIZ15 after obtaining the lowest score, but he was also awarded first place in the Sailor of the Year Award. The Sailor of the Year award looks at a sailor's performance at regattas over the course of the year. It is a measure of consistency and dedication which is needed if a sailor wants to compete on the international scene. Second place in BIZ15 went to 12-year-old Caroline Sersland of SPR. 12-year-old Trent Hardwick of BSS took third place in BIZ15 as well as second place in the Sailor of the Year Award. The final award went to Peter Joo of the PSC, who received third place in the Sailor of the Year Award.

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Congratulations to all of our Sailors!!!!!
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