2025 Optimist Gulf Coast Championship

Welcome to the Event Website for the 2025 Optimist Gulf Coast Championship

Hosted by Southern Yacht Club

Dates:  March 15-16

Notice of Race is Posted and Registration is Open!

Championship Fleet Entries are Capped at 60 Boats

This event will serve as the final qualifier for the 2025 Optimist Team Trials

ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE!!

WELCOME to the Optimist Gulf Coast Championships 2025!

Southern Yacht Club is pleased to welcome you to the 2025 Optimist Gulf Coast Championship, March 15-16! The SYC Regatta Committee has been working to make this event as safe as possible while still offering fantastic racing along traditional southern hospitality.

ARRIVAL

Registration is from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, and from 8 to 9 am on Saturday in the Grill Room on the Second Floor of the Club.

Please note that SYC is undergoing construction in its dry storage and junior sailing area. As of 4 pm on Friday the construction crew is done for the weekend; however, we ask that you: 1) steer clear of the construction areas; 2) unload your boats in the parking lot or in the circular driveway under the Club; 3) store your boats only in those areas of the dry storage which are accessible and a safe distance from the construction zones. If you have any questions about where you can safely store your boat for the weekend, please ask one of the SYC parent volunteers. 

Vehicle Parking:

Please refrain from parking in the Members Only parking on the North Side of the SYC Club gates.  Members will need access to the club over the holiday, particularly our elderly members.  Guest Parking is available in the lot south of the entrance gates and around West End Park.  Guests are reminded that the parking of RVs, storage trailers, boat trailers or any other non-standard vehicle is prohibited throughout the parking lots adjacent to SYC, as well as around the west end park.

Opti Parking/Coach Boat Launching:

For Coach and Spectator boat launching, a back down ramp is located at Bonnabel Boat Launch, 1599 Bonnabel Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005. Access to the hoists in our dry storage area is not guaranteed and likely to be restricted or off limits as the dry storage area fills with participants and vendors. After unloading, please move trailers to the parking area indicated in our program at 224 Lake Marina Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124. 

Coach Boat Docking:

Guest coaches and spectators are reminded that all docking in non-restricted areas is first come, first serve.  There is absolutely no holding of specific areas of dock space in non-restricted docking areas.  All dock space along the east side of the SYC wet slip along the bulkhead with the hoists, and along the Junior Dock area are off limits to guest vessels at all times from November 21st to November 26th with the exception of vessels just launched from the hoists, which should be moved promptly.  Guest vessels are encouraged to tie up along the western side of the SYC wet slip, along the Municipal Yacht Harbor (MYH) floating docks that run North/South opposite of the SYC hoists.  Additional docking may be available if not reserved on the outside of the floating dock pier “H” of the MYH that runs East/West, opposite the SYC Junior Dock Tent. Guest vessels are discouraged from occupying empty slips within the MYH, as they may be leased by a private boat owner.  Guests wishing to secure an available slip for regular use with a fee should contact the Municipal Yacht Harbor at 504-283-9676.  

GUEST INFORMATION

Guest Cards:

During your stay at SYC, you will need a guest card to utilize the Club Restaurant & Bar. You must visit the reception desk on the second floor of the clubhouse to obtain a guest card. Tables in the SYC dining room and bar are restricted for food and beverage purchase and reservations are required for dining.  No outside food and beverages are allowed in the clubhouse.

Dress Code:

Club Casual is preferred at all times inside the Clubhouse; however, sailing attire is always acceptable.  No one is permitted in the clubhouse without shirt and shoes.

Pets:

No pets are allowed except for qualified service animals. 

Fuel Dock:

The Fuel Dock noted on the Area Map is in close proximity to the club.   Lakeshore Marine & Fuel is now offering 24 hr. self-service.

Sailor Meals 

Lunch will not be provided.  Please bring your own lunch and water/beverages each day. There will, however, be hot food, snacks and beverages for the sailors after racing on Saturday; as well as on Sunday, and additional food for adults after racing on Sunday. 

Additional information

Thank you for joining us! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

Best,

John Alden Meade (504.382.6283)

Charlotte Meade (504.416.3975)

Regatta Chairs