Welcome from Carmen, IODA VP Europe

Welcome to everybody

Today we are celebrating the start of the 2020 Optimist European Championship in beautiful Portoroz - the port of roses! Thank you Slovenia for making it happen on such short notice! We are thrilled to get here!

As you all know, the championship was originally planned to be held in Estonia last June. Due to the Corona-pandemic the host decided to withdraw the event. IODA therefore had to call again for submissions to host the championship. Amongst the many applying countries, Slovenia seemed to be the best application in this difficult time!

Mitja Margon, president of Pirat Sailing Club and his very experienced team, have managed to set it all up, not only in record time but also in a professional way, despite these extraordinary times we are experiencing everywhere in the world. For sure this European Championship is going to be different than any of the previous events but for sure it is going to be an unforgettable one.

The Pirat Sailing Club hosts this event following the official protection guidance, an additional challenge for any event organizer this year.

However, without the help of each individual being part of this event it will not work. Please help us to have a safe and healthy event.

Thanks to all Sailors, Coaches, Team Leaders and Federations to find your way to Slovenia. It is a challenge to travel these days and a lot of effort and special agreements were necessary to make it to the 2020 Optimist European Championship in Portoroz.

Looking forward to welcome you all at Jadralni klub PIRAT Portoroz.

Carmen Casco
VP Europe