Optimist easter

IODA South American Championship
Around 180 sailors from 14 countries will participate at the C.N. San Isidro in Buenos Aires. Racing starts on 20th. The big question is whether Ecuador, who took three of the top five places last year and were convincing at the recent Mar del Plata Week, can continue their recent dominance in the difficult currents of the River Plate.
Site : http://sudam2005.cnsi.com.ar/fotos/index.htm 

Garda Meeting
The biggest single-Class regatta in the world - last year 791 sailors from 22 countries - is expected to be even bigger this year. Already nineteen countries have pre-entered over 600 sailors.
Site : http://www.fragliavelariva.com/public_New/SitoWeb/homepage1.asp?RegataID=65 

Portoroz
This regatta started life as an Austrian training camp but recent growth means that over 270 sailors from at least eleven countries are expected. It is believed that attempts to revive the Austro-Hungarian Empire will be prevented by the presence of Turks :)
Site : http://www.klub-pirat.si/index1-ang.htm 

Braassemermeer
This great regatta celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and the entry limit has been expanded to allow 270 sailors. Last year eleven countries were represented with selected teams coming from most of northern Europe.
Site : http://www.braassemermeer.nl/index_uk.html 

Optispring
One week later than the rest this event, organised by the Belgian Association but sailed at Stellendam in Holland, enables some enthusiasts a second regatta. But some have had to return to school (boo!) and last year "only " five countries were represented.
Site : http://www.optimist.be/ 

Commentaries on breaking news will be at http://www.optiworld.org/ioda-news.html